Maoists torch four vehicles in Jharkhand

Maoist guerrillas on Monday set fire to four vehicles at bauxite mines in Serengdag area of Gumla district, police said, in an incident that has once again highlighted the threat posed by Left-wing extremism in parts of Jharkhand.

According to police, around 20 to 25 armed members of the banned Communist Party of India-Maoist entered the mining area under Ghaghra police station and attacked the site. They allegedly torched three trucks and a tractor before forcing the mining operations to shut down.

The rebels also assaulted contractor Umesh Singh and several vehicle drivers during the attack. After setting the vehicles on fire, the Maoists reportedly warned the workers and ordered that mining activities be stopped.

Police suspect that the attack may be linked to a dispute over the payment of levy. Preliminary information suggests that the contractor had allegedly refused to pay the amount demanded by the Maoists, which could have prompted the armed group to target the mining site.

Security forces have begun investigating the incident and are working to identify those involved in the attack. The burning of vehicles and forced closure of the mines could affect mining operations in the area if security concerns persist.