"It was a sudden attack, there was no prior report," Kumar told reporters when asked whether it was an intelligence failure.
He said the SP was going with an escort after attending a meeting convened by DIG (Dumka Range) Priya Dubey when the Maoists ambushed them.
Kumar said four SLRs and two AK-47 rifles were looted by the Maoists.
He said said anti-Maoist operations would be stepped up.