3 cops killed in Maoist attack in Chhattisgarh

RAIPUR: Three policemen were killed when Maoists triggered a landmine blast and opened fire at a police party near Chhindpal village in Kanker district of Chhattisgarh on Thursday.

The three dead have been identified as platoon commander Sangram Singh, ASI Shayamlal Ambali and constable Mahulal.

Police said the police party had gone there to clear a tree felled by the Maoists to block the road.

"The police party comprising 26 personnel left for Chhindpal after receiving information of road blockade by the Maoists," said Kanker range DIG Pawan Deo.

When the police party reached the spot, three members of the team decided to check the log while others waited at a distance. Some 150 Maoists who were hiding nearby opened fire as the trio approached the log. The three died on the spot.

Senior police officers have rushed to the spot with additional forces. "The entire area has been surrounded by the police parties and we are trying trace the Naxals," said a senior police officer.