Maoists kill 9 policemen in Jharkhand

BOKARO: In the second major strike in three days, Maoists killed at least nine policemen and injured 10 others in a daring attack on a PSU bank and a subsequent landmine blast here today.

Bokaro SP L P Singh said the Maoists, who are observing a bandh in six states including Jharkhand, attempted to loot the SBI branch at Phusro after money was brought there from the Bermo branch of the bank.

As two policemen of the escort party stepped out of the bank after depositing the money the Maoists attacked them and killed them, he said.

Subsequently at least seven other police personnel were killed when the anti-landmine vehicle in which they were rushing to the spot blew up after it ran over an IED at Nawadih, 31 km away.

They were part of the additional reinforcement being rushed to the spot.

"The exact figure of policemen killed is yet to be known," Inspector General of Police (Operation), D K Pandey, told PTI on phone.

Today's Maoist attack came close on the heels of the landmine blast in West Singhbhum district in the state on Wednesday which claimed the lives of 11 security men.