Maoists blow up Cobra vehicle, two killed

Maoists blew up the vehicle of the Cobra battalion near Thakthakwa village under the Dumaria police station, about 80km away from Gaya district headquarters on Tuesday evening. Two Cobra battalion jawans were killed, while 13 sustained injuries in the powerful blast.

Maoists blew up the vehicle of the Cobra battalion near Thakthakwa village under the Dumaria police station, about 80km away from Gaya district headquarters on Tuesday evening. Two Cobra battalion jawans were killed, while 13 sustained injuries in the powerful blast.

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The incident happened just a few hours after chief minister Nitish Kumar held a law and order review meeting in Patna to tone up administration. This is the first major attack of Maoists on forces this year.

The Cobra Jawans were on their search operation and as they approached Thakthakwa village the Maoists triggered a landmine blast and also resorted to firing from different sides. The injured jawans, however, took positions and returned the fire . The Maoists fearing reinforcements fled after their operation.

DGP PK Thakur said the Cobra battalion was involved in an operation for the last few days. The chief minister also sought details of the incident and monitored the follow up action, including medical treatment to the injured, he added.

Soon after the incident, senior police officers including the SSP P Kannan and CRPF commandant and other senior police officers of the district rushed to Dumaria with reinforcement to intensify operation track down Maoists who triggered tha landmine blast.