In their second attack on securitymen in three days, Maoists killed 11 policemen and injured eight others in a synchronised attack at Nawadih and Fushro in Bokaro district today. While two policemen were killed at Fushro in an encounter during an abortive attempt by the ultras to rob a bank, nine died at Nawadih when they blew up an anti-landmine vehicle carrying additional force to Fushro, Bokaro Superintendent of Police L P Singh said.
Over 50 ultras, including women, who were waiting near the SBI branch at Fushro bazar, fired on two members of the police escort party when they emerged from the bank after depositing the money. The two, who had escorted the bank personnel in ferrying money from another branch, died on the spot, others started firing towards the Maoists who fled after sometime without looting the bank.
The encounter which occurred between one and two pm also left four policemen injured. The SP said one of the two slain policemen was stabbed by a woman ultra after he took a bullet.
A landmine blast was also triggered under an unoccupied stationary car nearby.
India on Tuesday successfully tested the nuclear capable Agni-II missile at Wheelers Island near Balasore in Orissa.
According to a senior Defence Ministry official, Agni-II missile is the surface-to-surface missile with a range of over 2,000 km.
"It was a user trial. The aim of the test is to give the Army confidence to fire the missile on its own," the official said.
The Agni II missile, which is 20 metres long and 16 tones heavy, can carry a payload of around 1,000 kg and its range can also be increased to 3,000 km by reducing the pay load.
"It can be fired from both rail and road mobile launchers. It takes only 15 minutes for the missile to be readied for firing," the official added.
The missile has been developed with technical assistance from the Indian Defense Research and Development Organization for the Indian Army.