In Jharkhand, nine police personnel and one eight year old boy have been killed when the Maoists attacked the convoy of an Independent MP, Mr. Inder Singh Namdhari at Satnadiya under Garu police station in Latehar district. One jawan is missing while a 19 year old girl, Arti Kumari, has been injured. She has been admitted in a referal hospital at Garu.

The attack took place Saturday evening when the MP was returning from a function at Mahuatand.

Mr.Namdhari said, his escort vehicle was caught in the blast, but his car was able to speed away.

Confirming the incident, the SP of Latehar told AIR Correspondent that the Maoists triggered a blast in which one police jeep of the convoy of the MP was blown apart. A bus carrying passengers at that point was also fired upon by Maoists in which one boy was killed and a girl was injured. A manhunt has been launched to nab the culprits.

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh has condemned the attack on Member of Parliament Inder Singh Namdari. Dr Singh has expressed the relief that he escaped and is safe. Dr. Manmohan Singh also conveyed his sympathies to the bereaved families of the security men killed in the attack.

Maoists have also damaged rail tracks between Ehegadha and Chipadohar Stations; and Bhumia and Dumribihar Stations in Dhanbad Railway division. This has disrupted rail traffic. According to reports, repair work is underway.