Two jawans have been killed in landmine blast at Pirakata near Lalgarh in West Bengal.

Suspected Maoists set off landmine blast while security forces were on patrol at the Bhimshole forest in the area.

Meanwhile, there's heavy exchange of fire between security forces and Maoists, who, for the first time, may have used grenades.

The two dead jawans belong to Indo-Reserve Battalion and State Armed Police. Three other jawans have been injured.

Security forces had to beat a retreat at dusk.