New Delhi, Delhi, India
A BJP leader and four policemen were killed on Tuesday when the Naxals attacked a convoy in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada.
The incident occurred at Shyamgiri hills when the BJP MLA Bheema Mandavi's convoy was heading towards Kuwakonda from Bacheli area.
The Naxalites blew up a vehicle in the convoy with an IED and opened indiscriminate fire at the occupants. The police confirmed that the BJP leader and policemen were killed in the attack.
It comes just two days before voting for Lok Sabha elections in Chhattisgarh. The state will go to polls in the first three phases - April 11, 18 and 23 for its 11 parliamentary constituencies. The Maoists have given a call for a boycott of the elections.
"All the killed security personnel are from District Reserve Group," said an official. The District Reserve Group is a locally raised force vested with battling Maoists.
Bheema Mandavi was the lone Bharatiya Janata Party MLA from Bastar region which accounts for 12 Assembly seats.
State police and paramilitary forces have intensified anti-Naxal operations ahead of the polls.
Security forces have been rushed to the area.