Maoists call shutdown to protest Modi's Gaya rally

Maoists guerrillas have given a day-long shutdown call on Sunday in Bihar's Magadh division to protest against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rally in Gaya ahead of the upcoming assembly polls.

Magadh - comprising Gaya, Aurangabad, Nawada, Jehanabad, Arwal districts - is considered a strong hold of Maoists, police said.

"In view of Maoists shutdown call and announcement to observe black day to protest against Modi's rally, we have tightened security and will deploy additional forces in Gaya and surrounding areas," a police officer said.

The officer said the Maoist rebels have also threatened vehicle owners in their stronghold in rural pockets not to provide vehicles to carry BJP's supporters to the rally.

"Maoists have threatened to take action against those owners, whose vehicles were hired for the Modi's rally," the officer said.

Meanwhile, BJP leaders said some of the prime minister's posters were found torn allegedly by ruling JD-U members.

The state is going to the polls later this year.