Four CRPF personnel killed as Maoists blow up mine-protected vehicle in Chhattisgarh
The Maoist attack took place on a day when Chhattisgarh chief minister Raman Singh launched the ruling BJP’s campaign for the first phase of polls on November 12 in neighbouring Sukma district.
Four Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed on Saturday when Maoists blew up their mine-protected vehicle (MPV) in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district in the first such attack since elections in the state were announced on October 6. Two others were injured in the blast, police said.
The incident occurred around 4 pm near Murdanda camp of the CRPF under Awapalli police station, when its 168th battalion was out on ‘area domination’ operation. (PTI File Photo)
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
The attack came on a day chief minister Raman Singh launched the ruling BJP’s election campaign in neighbouring Sukma district. Elections in Chhattisgarh will be held in two phases, on November 12 and 20. Eighteen constituencies in eight Maoist-affected districts –Bastar, Kanker Sukma, Bijapur, Dantewada , Narayanpur, Kondagaon and Rajnandgaon – will vote in the first phase. The remaining 72 will vote in the second phase.
{{^usCountry}}{{/usCountry}}
The blast went off near the CRPF’s Murdanda camp around 4.30 pm when a team from its 168th Battalion was out on area domination operations and patrol duty, a senior officer said.
“The MPV was carrying six personnel and was around one km away from the CRPF camp when Maoists triggered the blast. Four jawans were killed and other two were injured,” said Vivekanand Sinha, IG Bastar.
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
{{^usCountry}}
Reinforcements were immediately rushed to the spot and the injured personnel evacuated, he said. The bodies were subsequently retrieved from the spot. “We have launched a hunt for the attackers. Combing operations have begun in the area,” IG said.
{{/usCountry}}
{{#usCountry}}
Reinforcements were immediately rushed to the spot and the injured personnel evacuated, he said. The bodies were subsequently retrieved from the spot. “We have launched a hunt for the attackers. Combing operations have begun in the area,” IG said.
{{/usCountry}}
According to Chhattisgarh police, the Maoists have targeted MPVs eight times in the Bastar region since 2005, killing 42 security personnel injuring at least 50. Instead of using standard explosive devices, the Maoists were using 50-100 kg explosives in containers to explode MPVs, the police had earlier said.
On Friday, IG Sinha had given details of deployment of additional forces and four helicopters in the region in the run-up to the elections.
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.
Get Latest News, breaking headlines, and top India News, and today real-time updates from across the nation. Stay informed on politics, government policies, crime, Today Weather, and major developments on Hindustan Times
Get Latest News, breaking headlines, and top India News, and today real-time updates from across the nation. Stay informed on politics, government policies, crime, Today Weather, and major developments on Hindustan Times
