Bijapur (Chhattisgarh) [India], April 13 (HBTV): A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan was injured in an IED blast triggered by Naxals in the forested region of Bijapur district in Chhattisgarh on Wednesday, officials said.
According to officials, the incident occurred near Kodapal Nala when a team from the 196 Battalion of the CRPF, based in Chinnakodepal, was out on area domination duty. During the operation, a member of the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) stepped on a pressure-activated improvised explosive device (IED) that had been planted by Naxals.
The blast caused severe injuries to the jawan's legs. He was immediately evacuated and admitted to the district hospital in Bijapur, where he is undergoing treatment.
Security forces have launched a search operation in the surrounding region to trace the Maoists responsible for planting the explosive and to ensure the area is safe for further movement of personnel.
Earlier, a villager in the Narayanpur district of Chhattisgarh was killed, and another was seriously injured after stepping on an IED planted by Naxals, officials said on Saturday.
According to officials, the villagers had gone to the forest to collect wood and bushes to make brooms. The deceased has been identified as Rajesh Usendi, and the injured as Ramlal Korram. The incident took place between Jadda and Markud villages. Both the deceased and injured are residents of Kanagaon village.
‘On April 4, residents of the village Kanagaon, Rajesh Usendi (25 years) and Ramlal Korram (25 years), both had gone to the hilly jungle of village Jadda-Markur to pluck fruits and brooms. They were plucking flowers when suddenly a pressure IED planted by the Naxalites blasted, due to which Rajesh Usendi died on the spot due to serious injuries in both his legs and an injured villager Ramlal Korram has injuries in his throat, mouth and neck,’ said Narayanpur Superintendent of Police Prabhat Kumar.
‘The incidents of villagers dying and getting injured after coming in contact with Naxal IED are increasing continuously. A villager also died in Kurusnar of Orchha,’ the SP added.
(ANI)