Maoists torch eight construction vehicles in Jharkhand

Ranchi: Maoist guerrillas on Sunday set afire eight vehicles involved in construction work in Jharkhand's West Singhbhum district, police said.

Police said the guerrillas raided an office of a construction company in Ghatkuri village in West Singhbhum, around 60 km from Ranchi, and set ablaze six dumpers and two excavators following the company's refusal to pay levy.

In another incident in the same district, a gun battle took place between Maoists and the security forces in Porahaat jungle area, in which two guerrillas were injured, while four Maoist supporters were arrested, police said.

Police seized two motorbikes, 12 mobile phones and other items, and were interrogating the arrested Maoist supporters.

Maoists are active in 18 of the 22 districts of the state.