Ranchi, India (BBN)- At least 11 policemen were killed and six others wounded in a landmine blast in the country’s eastern state of Jharkhand on Wednesday. The blast was the work of the banned Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist).
Authorities said the party is behind the Wednesday morning blast, which was located near Tithir village of West Singhbhum district, about 124 miles (200 kilometers) from the state capital Ranchi.
Jharkhand Police Chief V.D. Ram reportedly confirmed that eleven security personnel were killed and six injured by the landmine.
The security personnel were returning in five vehicles after Long Range Patrolling (LRP), a police official said, adding that the first vehicle carrying around 20 personnel was hit by the landmine blast.
Later, the security personnel were ambushed and a gun battle between the security personnel and the rebels took place, police added.
Additional police and para-military forces have been rushed to the village to assist in the gun battle.
BBN/SS/SI/AD-11June09-1:38 am (BST)
