A landmine attack on a police vehicle in central India has left 15 officers and a driver dead. Police say leftist insurgents had planted an improvised explosive device.
The incident took place in a forest between the states of Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh on Wednesday. It comes against the backdrop of the ongoing general election.
Police say the Maoist insurgents who carried out the attack have been fighting against the government in the central and eastern parts of the country.
The rebels have repeatedly attacked government offices and police, saying the government is putting priority on economic growth and development to the detriment of poor farmers.
Police had stepped up security as the insurgents set about 30 vehicles on fire earlier in the day at a nearby construction site.
In April, the insurgents blew up a vehicle carrying people campaigning for the election in Chhattisgarh, killing five.
Voting in India's general election began last month and will continue until May 19.
NHK
