A landmine blast planned by the Maoists in Lohardaga district in Jharkhand has claimed the lives of two policemen.

The blast kicked off an encounter between the Maoists and the security forces in the area, which is reported to be still continuing.

A security personnel died on the spot, while the other submitted to his injuries later, said a police official.

The security personnel killed were deployed for the safety of the polling party members, who were returning after conducting the polls in the constituency on December 12.

Inspector General of Police V H Desmukh said in Ranchi, the blast took place when the two motorcycle-borne security personnel were crossing the area.