NEW DELHI, June 1: Twelve paramilitary troops were killed in a land mine attack as they returned after defusing bombs in eastern India, where Maoist rebels have a strong presence, police said on Thursday.

The explosion occurred when bomb disposal squad officials were returning after defusing 16 bombs at a school in West Singbhum district in eastern Jharkhand state.

Their vehicle was blown up to pieces, the Press Trust of India news agency quoted police officials as saying.

Police said that guerillas had planted the land mine to target officials who take refuge in the school when on extended patrol.

Maoist rebels claim they are fighting for the rights of the poor and landless farmers.—AFP