Ranchi, Sep 19 (IANS) Eight people, including six tribals, were killed in what appeared to be a caste war in Jharkhand's Gumla district, police officials said Tuesday.

Tribals and members of a backward caste clashed Monday night in Kurkura village of Gumla district, about 170 Km from here, according to police.

"Eight people have been killed in the clash. Of these, six were tribals and two were Mahtos (backward caste people)," G.S. Rath, additional director general of police (special branch), told IANS.

Rath said the tribals had gathered for a meeting when Ramnath Mahto and Saryu Mahto taunted them, prompting the tribals to chase them away. In retaliation, the Mahtos opened fire, killing six tribals.

The tribals lynched Ramnath and his father to death while Saryu managed to escape.

Police said the Mahtos were henchmen of a gangster Jayanath Sahu, who extorted money from tribals. They added that the opposition to Sahu could have led to the clashes.

Newly appointed Chief Minister Madhu Koda is likely to visit the village.