Maoists abduct nine in Chhattisgarh

Maoist rebels on Wednesday abducted nine people, including three special police officers (SPOs), in Chhattisgarh, the police said.

"Nine people, all males, including three SPOs, were abducted by armed Maoist rebels in Bijapur district," Bijapur Superintendent of Police Ankit Garg told IANS by telephone.

The incident happened in Bogamgura village, about 450 km from Raipur. The armed guerrillas stopped two jeeps in which the villagers were travelling with the three SPOs.

Women and children among the villagers were spared in the attack.

"The police are scouting forests to ensure the release of the men but no information has been received about their location so far," Garg added.

Tribal dominated Bijapur, adjoining Dantewada district, has witnessed Maoists attacks before.