Indian police kill at least 14 Maoist rebels in jungle shootout

Raipur: Police shot and killed at least 14 Maoist rebels in a remote central Indian jungle on Tuesday, a senior officer said.

The clash occurred when special force officers surrounded the rebels to prevent them from escaping into the jungle of Chhattisgarh.

The death toll from the clash may be higher, police said.

The rebels claim to be advocates for the rights of the poor farmers and labourers and often attack government buildings and police patrols.

The Maoist insurgency has left thousands dead and spans across much of central and eastern India.