12 killed in twin Maoist attacks in Chhattisgarh

At least 12 people have been killed in twin attacks by Maoists in Chhattisgarh on Saturday, reports The Times of India.

A bus carrying a team of poll officials and security personnel was hit by landmine blast around 1pm at Ketulnar in Bijapur district.

When the team reached near Ketulnar village between Gudma and Kutru, Maoists who were waiting for an opportunity triggered landmine blast on the vehicle, R K Vij, additional director general of police (Naxal operation) said.

"Seven polling officials have lost their lives in Naxal attack in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh," state chief electoral officer Sunil Kujur said.

In another attack, Maoists triggered a landmine blast at Darbha hitting 7 CRPF men who were travelling in an ambulance after sanitising route for a polling party.

Five CRPF personnel were killed and four injured in the Darbha attack.

Many EVMs would have been damaged in the incident for which re-polling will be conducted, chief electoral officer Sunil Kujur said.

He said that there may be many other polling parties who may have been stuck up in interiors in Bastar.