10 killed as Maoists blow up police bus

BHUBANESWAR - At least 10 security personnel were Sunday killed and three injured when Maoist guerrillas Sunday blew up a police bus in Orissa’s Koraput district, an official said.

The rebels detonated a landmine about 14 km from Baipariguda town when a large number of the state’s Special Operation Group (SOG) personnel were going in three vehicles, Deputy Inspector General of Police Sanjeeb Panda told IANS.

“One of the buses was blasted by the Maoists. The vehicle was completely damaged. At least 10 security personnel are confirmed dead. The number of deaths may go up,” Panda said.

At least three people were injured in the ghastly attack.

Maoists are active in more than half of the state’s 30 districts. Koraput district, about 500 km from here, is considered their stronghold.