Constable killed in Maoist blast

RANCHI - A police constable was killed and two critically injured when Maoists exploded a landmine in Jharkhand Friday shortly after the Palamau superintendent of police (SP) passed the area, police said.

“A landmine blast took between Manatau and Chak village in which one constable was killed and two were injured,” Jharkhand Director General of Police (DGP) Neyaz Ahmad told IANS.

“Anup T. Matthew, the SP, was leading an operation in Palamau,” he said.

The blast occurred seconds after the SP’s vehicle passed the site. Another vehicle carrying state police personnel was caught in the explosion. The injured have been admitted to local hospital and their condition is said to be critical.

According to police sources, the security personnel were going to Chak village where Maoists have enforced an economic blockade for several days. The Palamau SP was leading the security forces.

Maoist rebels have enforced a blockade to protest the establishment of a police picket in the area, added police sources.