Patna, Dec 9 (IANS) More than three dozen armed Maoists early Friday abducted seven labourers engaged in the construction of a bridge in Bihar's Jamui district, police said.
The incident took place near Khaira, about 200 km from here. Police have launched an operation to rescue the labourers, Jamui Superintendent of Police Pushkar Anand said.
Police suspect the Maoists chose to abduct the workers after the company constructing the bridge refused to pay 'protection money' to the rebels.
Last month Maoists had abducted 15 people, including 12 labourers, in Jamui but later released them. Jamui is considered a rebel stronghold.