**Maoist rebels have killed at least three Indian soldiers in a series of landmine blasts in Jharkhand state, the authorities say.**The attacks come as the state votes to elect a new assembly. The rebels have called a 48-hour shutdown in protest.
The blasts occurred in three different places in Giridih district. Police say the rebels also opened fire in a number of places, injuring four people.
The Maoists say they want to establish communist rule in parts of India.
The rebels are present in more than 223 of India’s 600-odd districts across 20 states.
More than 6,000 people have died during the rebels’ 20-year fight.
Jharkhand is one of the states where Maoists are present in large numbers and the rebels regularly attack security forces.
The BBC’s Salman Ravi in the state capital, Ranchi, says nearly 40,000 security forces have been deployed to maintain peace during the elections.
Voting, which is being held in five phases for the state’s 81 constituencies, ends on 18 December.
Wednesday is the second phase of voting and polls are being held in 14 seats.
Officials say more than 60% of a total of 4,300 polling centres have been marked as being in high risk areas.
Vote-counting is due to take place on 23 December.
The rebels say they are fighting for communist rule and the rights of poor peasants and the landless.
There has been a surge in Maoist violence in recent months - the rebels have kidnapped and killed policemen, held up an express train, attacked police stations and blown up railway lines and communication links in affected states.
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has described the Maoist insurgency as the single largest threat to the country.