Bihar announces Rs 25 lakh for each of 10 CRPF personnel killed

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Patna: The Bihar government has announced a compensation package for the CRPF personnel who were killed the previous day in a landmine blast by Maoists in Aurangabad district, an official said on Tuesday.

"The state government will provide a compensation of Rs 25 lakh each to 10 CRPF personnel killed in IED blasts by Maoists," an official of Chief Minister's Office said.

The state government will provide a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the victims from its welfare fund, and Rs 20 lakh of insurance money will be provided as per the special scheme for security personnel in Maoist-affected districts.

The state government will also provide the best medical treatment to the six injured CRPF personnel.

According to police officials, 10 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troopers were killed and six others seriously injured when Maoist guerrillas triggered a landmine blast in a forested area late on Monday night in Aurangabad.

Police also claimed that four Maoists were killed in the encounter. 

A senior police official here said those killed were personnel of the COBRA unit. 

"Eight personnel were killed on the spot after Maoists triggered the IED, two others succumbed to their injuries when they were being evacuated," an official said. 

The blast took place in the Chakarbanda-Dumarinala forest area bordering Gaya district when the CRPF personnel were conducting a combing operation.

According to police officials, it appears that the Maoists used a huge quantity of explosives to detonate the improvised explosive device. An AK-47 rifle, INSAS rifle and under-barrel grenade launcher were also recovered from the site.

Police said six other personnel were critically injured in the gun battle that ensued following the IED blast. 

The troopers belonged to the 205th COBRA battalion and were deployed in the state for conducting anti-Maoist operations.