Maoists kill 24 policemen in eastern India: police

Indian Maoists killed at least 24 policemen, including a senior officer, in an ambush in the eastern state of Chhattisgarh, officials said. The attack took place in Rajnandangaon district, 90 kilometres from the state capital Raipur, the deputy inspector general of police in charge of operations against the left-wing rebels told. The guerrillas shot dead two policemen on patrol in the area and then ambushed the security team that was sent to investigate the incident, Pawan Dev said. Meanwhile, a Press Trust of India report said New Delhi was sending 600 paramilitary personnel to Chhattisgarh to start combing operations for the rebels responsible.