Maoists shot at five policemen and looted rifles

Purulia, Nov 29 (UNI) Armed Maoists shot at five policemen including an ASI and looted four rifles from them in West Bengal's Purulia district at early hours today.

District police super Ashoke Vir Prasad said a group of armed Maoist rebels ambushed on a patrol party while the latter's five securitymen were boarding a pickup van at Raidih in Purulia district around 0130 hours.

Police said the rebels fired at least ten rounds from their automatic rifles aiming at the police party.

Among the injured was an ASI agent and four West Bengal National Voluntary Force (WBNVF) jawans. All the injured were rushed to a nearby hospital.

They were returning after completing their duty at a Yatra show at Burrabazar, police added.

The rebels then immediately fled to a nearby jungle, police said.

The district administration had sealed all the exit points of the district and launched a track all the possible hideouts of the rebels.

Two suspects were detained for interrogation this morning, added Mr Prasad. He said the rebels might have crossed over to Jharkhand.

Mr Prasad said all 21 police stations were alerted after the attack.

IG (Western Zone) of police, Arun Gupta, is expected to visit the site today.

UNI XC PC RD1205