Nine cops killed in Maoist ambush

At least nine policemen were killed in an ambush by Maoist rebels near the Chhattisgarh-Orissa border, media reports said on Tuesday.

The security officials, who were on a reconnaissance mission, were caught in a landmine blast and were fired at by the communist rebels.

The ambush took place inside the Sunebeda reserve forests, a Maoist stronghold next to Orissa’s Nuapada district and Chhattisgarh’s Gariabandh district.

The policemen were sent to the Amamora and Sunebeda jungle on Monday following reports of Maoist presence in the area.

During their return, their jeep broke down and they had to board a tractor. The Maoists apparently spotted them and triggered a landmine blast and fired at the cops.

The police team had 10 members included including the Additional Superintendent of Chhattisgarh’s Gariabandh district who was also reportedly killed. The hunt for the missing policeman is on.