RAIPUR: Indian Maoists killed at least 22 policemen, including a senior officer, in an ambush today in the eastern state of Chhattisgarh, officials said.

The attack took place in Rajnandangaon district, 90 km from the state capital Raipur, Pawan Dev, deputy inspector general of police in charge of operations against the left-wing rebels, told AFP.

The guerrillas shot dead two policemen on patrol in the area and then ambushed the security team that was sent to investigate the incident, he said.

“We have information of 22 policemen killed in the attack,” Dev said.

A state government spokesman said superintendent of police VK Choubey was among those killed in the ambush.

Sunday’s attack comes a month after 11 special police personnel were killed in a landmine blast triggered by Maoists in Chhattisgarh, where the left-wing rebels are based.