National Investigation Agency, NIA will probe yesterday's Maoist attack in Bastar region of Chhattisgarh that claimed 16 lives.

This was disclosed by Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde in Jagdalpur today. He was talking to reporters after paying homage to the slain para-military and state police personnel.

Mr Shinde said Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh has agreed to hand over the probe to NIA. The NIA is already investigating the May last year’s Maoist attack in Jeeram Ghati of Bastar district in which top Congress leaders were killed.

Mr Shinde said, the martyrdom of these security personnel will not go waste and security forces will fight back. He said, Maoists are trying to unleash a reign of terror to disrupt the upcoming Lok sabha polls. Mr Shinde said, assembly elections were held peacefully and Lok Sabha polls will also be held peacefully.