A group of armed Maoists abducted eight labourers engaged in the construction of a bridge in Bihar's Jamui district early on Sunday, police said.

The incident took place near Baldidih village in Jamui, about 200km from Patna. Police have launched an operation to rescue the labourers, a district police official said.

Police suspect the Maoists chose to abduct the workers after the company constructing the bridge refused to pay levy demanded by the rebels.

Earlier, Maoists had abducted 15 people, including 12 labourers, in Jamui but later released them unharmed.

Jamui is considered a rebel stronghold.