Rebels exchange gunfire with govt forces in Patna

PATNA, Nov 11 (AP): Maoist rebels on Sunday triggered a blast and exchanged gunfire with government forces in a central Indian state on the eve of legislative elections, police said.

One suspected rebel was killed while a paramilitary officer was wounded in the violence in Chhattisgarh state, said top police officer DM Awasthi.

The insurgent was killed in the Bijapur area during an exchange of gunfire while the officer was wounded after Maoists targeted soldiers during their patrolling in a forested area in the state's Kanker district, Awasthi said.

The New Delhi Television channel said rebels detonated seven explosive devices simultaneously.

Tens of thousands of police and soldiers have been deployed to guard the polling, which starts on Monday and is being held in two phases. Authorities have also deployed drones for surveillance, NDTV reported.