Police official says Maoist rebels kill at least 60 paramilitary soldiers in eastern India

Maoist rebels kill 60 troops in eastern India

PATNA, India — A senior police official says Maoist rebels have killed at least 60 paramilitary soldiers in attacks in the eastern Indian state of Chhattisgarh. The assaults mark the most casualties against government forces since they launched an offensive against the rebels last year.

R.K. Vij, the Inspector General of state police says at least 81 troops were part of a patrol party that came under attack in the rebel stronghold of Dantewada early Tuesday.

He said 60 bodies of the soldiers killed in at least two attacks have been recovered so far. He says fighting between troops and rebels was continuing in the area.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

PATNA, India (AP) — A senior government official says Maoist rebels have killed at least 40 paramilitary soldiers in attacks in the eastern Indian state of Chhattisgarh. The assaults mark the most casualties against government troops since they launched an offensive against the rebels last year.

Raman Singh, the chief minister of the state, told Sadhna television channel that at least 120 troops were part of a patrol party that came under attack in the rebel stronghold of Dantewada early Tuesday.

He said at least 40 of them were killed. He gave no other details.

A senior police official, who declined to be identified because he was not allowed to speak to reporters, said the troops were killed in at least two attacks.