Narayanpur (Chhattisgarh) [India], April 10 (HBTV): A villager in Narayanpur district of Chhattisgarh was killed and another seriously injured after stepping on an improvised explosive device (IED) allegedly planted by Naxals, officials informed on Saturday.

According to authorities, the villagers had gone to the forest to collect wood and bushes for making brooms. The deceased has been identified as Rajesh Usendi, while the injured has been identified as Ramlal Korram. The incident occurred between Jadda and Markud villages. Both men were residents of Kanagaon village.

‘On April 4, residents of Kanagaon village, Rajesh Usendi (25) and Ramlal Korram (25), had gone to the hilly jungle of Jadda-Markud to pluck fruits and gather materials for brooms. While they were plucking flowers, a pressure IED planted by Naxalites exploded. Rajesh Usendi died on the spot due to severe injuries to both legs. Ramlal Korram sustained injuries to his throat, mouth, and neck,’ said Narayanpur Superintendent of Police Prabhat Kumar.

‘Incidents of villagers dying or getting injured after coming in contact with Naxal IEDs are increasing. A villager also died recently in Kurusnar of Orchha,’ the SP added.

The injured villager has been shifted to Narayanpur for further medical treatment.

Meanwhile, in an ongoing IED detection campaign by Narayanpur Police, 15 IEDs have been recovered in 2025.

‘Maoists are targeting security forces by planting IEDs with the intent to inflict harm. In view of recent incidents, Narayanpur Police is continuously conducting IED detection and search operations in the area,’ read a statement from the SP.

Earlier on April 2, two women Naxals carrying rewards of INR 14 lakh each on their heads were killed in an encounter with the Hawk Force in Madhya Pradesh’s Mandla district. The exchange occurred in a forest under the jurisdiction of Bichhiya police station. Police recovered weapons and other belongings from the site.

(ANI)