Patna, July 2: The state sounded an alert in its Maoist-hit districts in the wake of the killing of a superintendent of police and a few other cops in an attack in Jharkhand’s Pakur district today.

Inspector-general (IG) of police (operations) Amit Kumar said the superintendents of police of Naxalite-hit districts have been asked to take precautionary measures in the wake of the new modus operandi adopted by the rebels in the Pakur attack.

“Earlier, the Maoists used to carry out attacks on security personnel by laying landmines or triggering improved explosive devices. But for the first time, they engaged in a gun battle with security personnel,” he said, adding that the rebels appeared more aggressive across the country for obvious reasons.

IG Kumar, who is also in charge of anti-Naxalite cell at the police headquarters, said additional forces have been deployed in districts considered to be vulnerable to attacks. “The areas close to the Bihar-Jharkhand border are under the surveillance of the forces,” he added. The SPs of Jamui, Gaya, Aurangabad, Rohtas and Kaimur have been asked to be cautious,” he added.