Thaindian News

Patna, July 2 (IANS) Maoists killed six people, including two special police officers (SPOs), and abducted seven others in a village in Bihar’s Munger district Saturday, police said. State police and central paramilitary forces have launched combing operations in the area.

Nearly 50 armed Maoists stormed Bangalwa Kareli village, about 200 km from Patna, early Saturday.

“Five people, including the two SPOs, were killed on the spot while one sustained serious injuries and died later in a hospital,” a police officer said.

A district police official told IANS by telephone that the Maoists appeared to have killed villagers to avenge their opposition. “Maoists had threatened villagers in the past not to help police against them,” the official said.

Bihar Police chief Neelmani disclosed that the two SPOs were appointed to work as police informers in Maoist affected area. This is the first time police have admitted that SPOs have been working in Bihar to check Maoist activities on the lines of other states hit by Maoist violence.

Talking to newspersons here, Neelmani said the government will provide a compensation of Rs.4 lakh to families of the victims. “Police have identified the Maoist rebels involved in the killing of villagers. All of them would be arrested soon,” he asserted.

He said security has been heightened in the village, and senior police officials will be camping in the village and helping security forces in combing operations.

“Police have also begun search operations in Munger to recover abducted villagers,” he said.

Munger is considered a Maoist stronghold.