Forty activists of the proscribed Communist Party of India-Maoists attacked Guddu Sharma, block pramukh, and killed three members of his family at Machhahi village under Maker police station area in Saran district late on Sunday night.

Deputy Police Superintendent A K Lal said about 40 Maoists activists armed with sophisticated weapons opened fire on Sharma's family. His wife along with an uncle and a bodyguard were killed in the incident, he added.

"A massive manhunt has been launched in the area to nab the extremists," he said adding, additional reinforcement was being rushed to the spot.

"The situation is tense, but under control," Lal claimed.