Jharkhand: Maoists attack MP's convoy, kill 10

Ten persons, including eight policemen, were killed and two policemen were injured on Saturday when Maoists attacked the convoy of Member of Parliament and former Jharkhand Speaker Inder Singh Namdhari, who escaped unhurt in Latehar district.

"Maoists triggered an IED blast and then opened fire on the security vehicle which was following Namdhari's car at Ladu More in the district," Director General of Police G S Rath said.

Six policemen, including Assistant Sub-Inspector Bhim Tudu, and two civilians were killed on the spot, Latehar Superintendent of Police B D Sharma said.

Palamau SP Sudhir Kumar Jha said two among the four injured policemen, who were admitted to a hospital in Medininagar, later succumbed to their injuries.

The attack took place when the MP was returning from a function at Mahuatand, Inspector General of Police (Operation) R K Malik said.  

Namdhari said his escort vehicle was caught in the blast but his car was able to speed away.

Latehar Additional SP B Chandramohan said the attack took place at around 5.30 pm in the dense forest areas near Project Tiger at Palamau which came hours before Maoist's call for a two-day Bharat Bandh from midnight.

Chandramohan said all police stations had been alerted and a massive combing operation would be carried out in Palamau division.

About a hundred Maoists had reportedly gathered in Latehar on Friday and pledged revenge for the killing of their top leader Kishanji in neighbouring West Bengal.