Ranchi, November 22: At least three police personnel were killed and one left critically injured in a naxal attack carried out in Latehar district of Jharkhand. The "surprise Maoist" assault, as officials have described it, was reported at around 8:30 pm on Friday. The identities of the deceased were yet to be confirmed, but one of them is reported to be a sub-inspector. Jharkhand: 5 Police Officials Shot Dead by Naxals in June This Year.

The armed Maoists targeted a police vehicle on which were personnel were onboard. In the firing, three policemen were killed on the spot, whereas, one is battling for life at the district hospital.

Update by ANI

The left-wing insurgent assault comes days before the assembly elections in the state, which are due to begin from November 30. The incumbent Raghubar Das-led government has cited its crackdown on Maoist violence as one of the poll planks leading to the elections.

While formally launching the BJP's poll campaign from Latehar on Thursday, party president Amit Shah had told a gathering that the state government has launched a lethal blow on the naxal elements in the state.

The Maoist attack in Jharkhand today, which has claimed the lives of the three policemen, raises security concerns ahead of the polls. The naxals have issued a poll boycott call and warned voters in their region from voting. The Election Commission of India (ECI), however, has reiterated its resolve to conduct polls in all parts of the state in a free, fair and secure environment.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 22, 2019 11:06 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).