24 policemen killed by Maoist faction in India

    24 policemen have been killed in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh.

    It is believed the perpetrators of the attack are Maoist rebels. The officers were guarding road workers when the attack took place yesterday, 24 April.

    One report has said that 300 rebels were involved in the assault in the Sukma region, which has been subject to a long-running insurgency by the Maoists.

    The rebel group claim they are fighting for communist rule and greater rights for tribal people and the rural poor.

    Their insurgency began in the eastern state of West Bengal in the late 1960s, later spreading to more than one-third of India's administrative districts.

    It is currently unknown if the Maoists suffered any casualties.

    More from International

    Listener Club

    Get more with the Listener Club!

    • Remix Saturdays Remix Saturdays

      Every Saturday evening we turn to remixes of hit songs to get you in the Saturday night party mood! Every Saturday between 5pm - 8pm

    • The Golden Era The Golden Era

      The golden era of Bollywood celebrated in this weekly show full of classics taking you back in time. Every Sunday between 5pm - 7pm

    • Alim OnAir Alim OnAir

      Have you a question about the religious, cultural or tradition aspect of Islam? Then join Hazrat Maulana Fazal Dad in the weekly show every Friday between 8-9pm.

    • Bhangra Nights Bhangra Nights

      Get over the Weekday blues - Every Tuesday night is party night with the best Bhangra and Urban Asian Beats. The Bhangra Show every Tuesday between 8pm-11pm