India politician killed with four others in central bomb attack

Five people, including a local politician from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), were killed in a bomb attack in central India yesterday, according to police.

The deceased politician, Bhima Mandavi, a state legislator from the Chhattisgarh state legislative assembly, was returning from an election rally when his convoy came under attack in Dantewada district of the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh.

Local police suspect Maoist rebels are behind the deadly attack.

The other four who died were security personnel accompanying the politician, assistant superintendent of police Chandramohan Singh told CNN.

"There were three vehicles in the convoy. It was an IED attack followed by an ambush," Mr Singh added.

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: "Strongly condemn the Maoist attack in Chhattisgarh. My tributes to the security personnel who were martyred."

"The sacrifices of these martyrs will not go in vain. Shri Bhima Mandavi was a dedicated Karyakarta of the BJP. Diligent and courageous, he assiduously served the people of Chhattisgarh.