Maoists torch five vehicles in Bihar

Maoists set on fire five vehicles of a private construction company in Bihar's Gaya district and assaulted half a dozen staff for not paying levy demanded by them, police Friday said.

"A group of armed Maoists attacked the camp of K.K. construction near Nepa village in Gaya late Thursday. They torched five vehicles, including trucks, JCB machine and a dumper, for not paying levy demanded by them," a district police official said.

According to police officials, Maoists also assaulted staff of the construction company.

"Maoists tied the hands and legs of the staff and threw them in a nearby river but they survived," police said.

Maoists in rural areas across Bihar are paid levy by private construction companies, contractors, traders, businessmen and even government officials.

Gaya is considered to be a Maoist stronghold.