13 Jharkhand policemen killed in Maoist ambush

Ranchi - 21 Jan 2012: Thirteen policemen including the officer-in-charge of Bhandaria police station were killed and two constables were injured in a landmine blast triggered by suspected CPI (Maoist) at Salho jungle in Jharkhand's Garhwa district.

Confirming the casualties, Jharkhand police spokesman IG RK Mallik said that the blast was triggered by Maoists when the police team along with the block development officer (BDO) was returning after clearing a road blockade near Badgarh. The BDO who was travelling in his own vehicle is safe.

At the time of the blast, 15 policemen including the driver were in the anti-landmine vehicle.

"Maoists have taken away all the 14 weapons after the blast in which 13 policemen were killed. The two injured policemen have been shifted to local hospital for treatment," said Mallik.

Police sources said that the blast was so powerful that the anti-landmine vehicle was tossed several feet in the air.

Garhwa deputy commissioner, RP Sinha said that reinforcement has reached the spot and the SP has rushed to the spot. "Search operation has been launched in the area by police and CRPF," Sinha added.

source: TOI