Raipur, India (BBN)- At least 12 special force police were killed and 11 others wounded in a landmine attack by suspected Maoist rebels in the country’s central Chhattisgarh state on Saturday evening.
The policemen were killed in a forested area of Tongapal in Dantewada district, about 310 miles (500 kilometers) south of the state capital Raipur, police officials confirmed.
The victims were traveling in a truck which hit the landmine. Seven policemen died on the spot and four on their way to hospital, Inspector General of Police TJ Longkumer reportedly said.
One more succumbed to injuries midnight at the hospital where 11 men were rushed in a critical condition, he added.
Around 10,000 rebels operate in the southern part of the state that includes Dantewada and Bijapur districts, according to Chhattisgarh police estimation.
BBN/SS/SI/AD-22June09-12:58 am (BST)
