16 people killed in Naxal attack in Bihar

Patna: Sixteen people including seven children have been killed by suspected Naxals at Amosi Bahiar village of Khagaria district in Bihar.

According to reports, the hands and legs of all the 16 victims were tied up before they were shot dead by the Naxals from a very close range late on Thursday night.

All the victims reportedly belonged to the backward castes.

Police say cultivation on disputed land was the reason behind the attack. The Naxalites wanted to allegedly grab land from the victims.

"The accused are supposed to be sympathisers of Naxals. They were attempting to grab land from cultivators. Seven (of those killed) are in the age group of 10 to 15 years. Massive combating operations have been started in the area in an attempt to arrest the culprits," said Bihar's Additional Director General of Police Neelmani.

Police have also arrested 10 suspected Naxals in connection with the attack on the villagers.

Neelmani said that the victims belonged to Amdaicharua village but had been living in the makeshift camps on the land for cultivation.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said that additional forces would be sent to the area to nab the culprits.

"I condemn this incident. The Director General of Police will be sent to the spot. Rs 1.5 lakh will be given as compensation to the family members of the victims," said Kumar in Patna.

The victims had been living in the makeshift camps on the land for cultivation.

Special Task Force has been deployed for combing operations in the riverine area and police patrolling has been increased to ease tension in the region.