PATNA, India (AP) — Indian police say Maoist rebels have triggered a blast and exchanged gunfire with government forces in a central state on the eve of legislative elections.
Police say one suspected rebel has been killed while a paramilitary officer has been wounded in the violence Sunday in Chhattisgarh state.
Rebels have stepped up their attacks in the state ahead of state elections and have warned people against voting.
On Thursday, rebels blew up a bus, killing three civilians and a paramilitary soldier in the state.
The Maoist rebels, inspired by Chinese revolutionary leader Mao Zedong, have been fighting the Indian government for more than four decades, demanding land and jobs for tenant farmers, the poor and indigenous communities.
