Maoists attack court in Bihar, free leader

Maoists opened fire at a court premises in Bihar on Tuesday, injuring an official and two policemen. In a daring operation, about 50 armed rebels attacked the civil court premises in Lakhisarai, 165 kms from Patna, exploding bombs and opening fire.

The Maoists decamped with a carbine and two rifles of the policemen after breaking open a lock-up and freeing their self-styled commander Babulal Besra of Giridih.

Deputy Development Commissioner Rajiv Ranjan and two policemen received injuries. Ranjan sustained wounds when chunks of wood flying from a smashed window hit him, District Magistrate P K Jha said. He was given first aid at his residence, he said. A constable and a havildar, who suffered splinter injuries, were rushed to the government hospital in Lakhisarai, Jha said, adding that the police posse posted there was outnumbered by the naxals.