2 CRPF Jawans Killed in Powerful IED Blast in Chhattisgarh's Sukma District

Sukma: At least two CRPF jawans were killed and several others sustained injuries after a powerful Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast, triggered by the Maoists, took place in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district on Sunday. According to the police, the incident took place in Maoist insurgency-affected Sukma district between the Silger and Tekulagudem area near Timmapuram Village, which comes under the Jagargunda police station area. It is being said that the Maoists targeted the convoy of the security forces with an IED blast at around 3 pm.

The tragic incident occurred about 400 km from Chhattisgarh’s capital city Raipur. According to the Chhattisgarh police, the CRPF jawans from Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) 201 battalion, were on their way from Silger to Tekulagudem camps, on a routine patrol as a part of its Road Opening Party on a truck and a bike. At around 3 pm, the truck was blown up by a powerful IED blast causing fatal injuries to two jawans.

Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai Condemns the Attack

A senior police official identified the deceased as constable Shailendra (29) and the vehicle driver Vishnu R (35). The bodies of the soldiers were shifted to the mortuary of a nearby hospital and a search operation was initiated.

Following the incident, Additional Superintendent of Police, Akash Rao stated, “Under the Jagargunda Police Station limits in Sukma district between Silger and Tekulagudem, Naxalites blew up security vehicles in an IED blast, this afternoon. Two jawans of CRPF CoBRA 201 BN lost their lives. CRPF, CoBRA and police reached the spot. The bodies of the two jawans have been brought out safely. The search operation is underway at the location."
Expressing his grief over the incident, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai stated, "This is a cowardly act of the Naxalites. We condemn this. We salute both of them, salute their courage, and respect them. Their sacrifice will not go in vain."

Gun Battle Breaks Out in Dhamtari

Meanwhile, one Maoist was killed in an encounter with the security personnel in Amjhar located in the Khallari area in Dhamtari district. The team of District Reserve Guard (DRG) personnel were out on an anti-Maoist operation in the jungle, during which an encounter took place.

If sources are to be believed, several Maoists sustained injuries during the encounter. The encounter is still on with intermittent firing, as per the police sources.

Dhamtari SP Anjaneya Varshney said, “An encounter between security forces and Naxalites is underway in the forests of village Amjhar and Muhkot of Khallari police station area since afternoon. Many Naxalites are possibly injured. A search operation is being carried out.”

Earlier in April, over 15 naxalites, including three women, were killed in encounters with security forces in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district.