Patna, Jan 29 : Maoist rebels dragged out two businessmen from their houses and shot them dead in Jamui district of Bihar, the police said Tuesday.

The victims, identified as Vishnudeo and Sukdeo, were killed Monday night at Bamdah Bazaar under Chandramandi police station in Jamui, about 150 km from the state capital here.

"Over 100 armed Maoists stormed Bamdah Bazaar locality and surrounded the houses of Vishnudeo and Sukdeo. They were then dragged out and shot dead," the police said.

The Maoist attack triggered panic among local people who locked themselves in their houses for safety.

Jamui, which is located close to the border with Jharkhand, is considered to be a stronghold of the outlawed Communist Party of India-Maoist.

The police have begun combing operations to track the guerrillas who escaped into the neighbouring forests after the shooting.

Two days ago, a huge cache of arms and ammunition was recovered from a Maoist hideout in Gaya district of the state.

(IANS)