PATNA, DECEMBER 23: In stepped-up violence, suspected extremists killed at least 12 people, including five policemen and six tribals, in Hazaribagh and Chatra districts of South Bihar in the past 24 hours.At least six people, including five policemen, were killed in explosion of mines planted by suspected extremists on Pratapur-Gonda road in Chatra district today.Inspector General of Police (Operations) M K Sinha said here that the policemen were returning to their camp when the mines exploded. The deceased included a jamadar, two constables and a chowkidar of Bihar military police.Three people seriously injured in the explosion were admitted to hospital. Sinha said six tribals were hacked to death by suspected Maoist Communist Centre activists near Jharpohat in the extremist-dominated Hazaribagh district last evening.He said the ultras kidnapped the tribals and later hacked them to death. A police constable kidnapped by the armed extremists managed to escape and informed a police picket of theincident.Massive combing operation had been launched in both the districts to nab the assailants. Senior police officials are camping in the area.Official sources at Ranchi said activists of the Maoist Communist Centre were involved in both the incidents. State home secretary U N Panjiyar said that the district administration had sanctioned Rs two lakh each to the families of the dead, besides widow pension and free ration, and promised them Indira Awas Yogna unit soon.A government job would also be provided to one member of each family, he added.
