NEW DELHI, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- Eight policemen and a driver were killed Monday after a vehicle they were traveling in was blown up by an improvised explosive device (IED) triggered by Naxals in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh, police said.

The attack took place on Bedre-Kutru Road in Bijapur district, about 442 km south of Raipur, the capital city of Chhattisgarh.

According to police, the policemen belonging to District Reserve Guard were returning from an anti-Naxal operation when they came under the attack.

Television footage showed a massive crater at the spot and pieces of the mangled vehicle scattered around, suggesting the intensity of the IED blast that killed the policemen.

The attack came a day after five Naxals and a policeman were killed in a fierce gunfight between them inside the Abujhmarh forest area of Narayanpur district, about 192 km south of Raipur.

Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao said the sacrifice of the policemen would not go in vain.

"Security forces are working towards eliminating Naxals deep inside their heartland. The Naxals have carried out this attack in desperation and disappointment. This sacrifice of the policemen won't go in vain," Sao told media.

Currently, Naxals are active across the central and eastern parts of India.

New Delhi has deployed several companies of its paramilitary forces to take on Naxals in their strongholds.

The insurgency reportedly has claimed hundreds of lives besides rendering thousands of inhabitants homeless. ■