In a surprise ambush attack by the Maoists, the security forces personnel were injured, and a battle ensued.
7 security forces were killed and 6 were injured in the landmine blast in Maoist-hit Chhaterpur village of Jharkhand’s Palamu district on Wednesday evening.
The security forces were returning after a long-range patrolling in the Kala Pahar region, considered a Maoist hotbed.
Hussainabad police station officer-in-charge Rajesh Prasad Rajak, who was leading the team, miraculously escaped as explosion took place seconds after his vehicle crossed the spot.
The blast, suspected to have been triggered by CPI (Maoists), was reported around 5.30pm. The policemen, who were travelling in a mini-truck, were in violation of the standard operational procedure, a source said.
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“Seven police personnel including the police driver, chowkidar, one head constable and four constables were killed and six injured when an IED triggered by the Maoists blew up their vehicle,” inspector general (Operation) MS Bhatia said.
“All the injured police personnel have been rescued from the spot and admitted to a Daltonganj hospital. An MI- 17 helicopter has been sent to Daltonganj to bring them to Ranchi for better treatment,” he added.
In the combing operation that ensued after the blast, a Maoist was killed by the police.
The operation was underway in the Budha Pahar area on the borders of Latehar and Garhwa districts in Jharkhand. Police said other rebels had been hit and the casualty count could go up.
“We have gunned down a Maoist in Budha Pahar area and one INSAS rifle has been recovered from the spot,” said IG (Operations) Ashish Batra.
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