Date:03/12/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/03/stories/2006120312960100.htm

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14 policemen killed in Bokaro blast

RANCHI: Fourteen police personnel were killed and three injured on Saturday in a landmine blast at Kanchkir in Bokaro district of Jharkhand.

Among the victims were an assistant sub-inspector, two havildars and 10 jawans of the Special Task Force were killed in the blast triggered by suspected Maoists, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Anil Palta said. Two vehicles carrying security personnel were returning from patrolling around 3 p.m. While the first one crossed the spot safely, the second, carrying at least 16 personnel, hit the landmine planted on the road.

Last week, the Jharkhand police, with the assistance of the Central Reserve Police Force, destroyed three bunkers of the Maoists in the Jhumra hill of the district. The police managed to drive out the naxalites from the area, once a naxal den. — PTI

NSG team despatched

New Delhi Special Correspondent writes:

The Centre has sent a helicopter to evacuate the seriously injured. It has also despatched a National Security Guards team to examine the blast site. The Union Home Ministry has condemned the blast.

The Director-General of CRPF has been asked to provide all help to the State Government.

Duggal speaks to DGP

Union Home Secretary V.K. Duggal spoke to the Director-General of Police and offered all assistance in dealing with the situation, said a Home Ministry source.