Indian bandits kill 13 villagers

Bandits have raided a village in India's central state of Madhya Pradesh, killing at least 13 people.

Reports from the area are confused - some say the villagers died in a gun battle, others that they were tied up and shot.

The attack took place on the village of Bhanwarpura, 40km (24 miles) from the state capital, Bhopal.

Parts of Madhya Pradesh, in particular the Chambal ravines, are known as a hide-out for bandits.

Chambal ravines

State home secretary, Bhagirath Prasad, told AFP the bandits held a grudge because villagers had recently shot at a gang member.

A television channel, Aaj Tak news, said the bandits suspected villagers of helping police operations against them.

State police director-general K Raut told Associated Press the bandits escaped into the forest.

One of India's most famous outlaws - Bandit Queen Phoolan Devi - dominated the area of the Chambal ravines in the 1980s before being jailed.

She became an MP on her release and was killed at her New Delhi home in 2001.