Indian police killed in attack

The authorities in the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand say 15 people are now known to have been killed when a police patrol bus ran over a landmine in Kodarma district 150 kilometres from the state capital, Ranchi.

Police say they suspect the attack was carried out by members of the outlawed left-wing group, the Maoist Communist Centre.

It took place on the second day of a three-day economic blockade called by the MCC, along with the closely affiliated People's War Group.

They have called for a complete ban on commercial traffic throughout Jharkand to protest against a new anti-terrorism law, as well as what they describe as police atrocities in the state.

Earlier, police said militants had set fire to a train and blew up sections of track in three districts of Jharkand.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service