IED blast in Chhattisgarh: 9 killed as Naxals blow up security force’s vehicle in Bijapur

An IED explosion took place on Monday (January 6) afternoon in the Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh. The blast, carried out byNaxals, targeted a vehicle carrying security personnel. The incidenttook place at approximately 2:15 PM near Ambeli village, under police station Kutru of District Bijapur.

Additional Director General (ADG) of Naxal Operations, Vivekanand Sinha, confirmed the incident. Speaking to Zee Media over the phone, Sinha said that the explosion happened as the soldiers were on their way back.

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Inspector General (IG) of Bastar told news agency ANI, "Nine people - eight Dantewada DRG jawans and one driver, lost their lives after their vehicle was blown up by naxals through an IED blast, in Bijapur. They were returning after a joint operation of Dantewada, Narayanpur and Bijapur."

Chattisgarh leaders condemn the 'cowardly attack'

Reacting to the blast, Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao said, "Information about a cowardly attack by Naxalites has come from Bijapur. I express condolences for the jawans. This is a cowardly action as jawans are working towards eliminating naxals. They have done this due to desperation and disappointment. This sacrifice of the jawans won't go in vain."

Chhattisgarh Assembly Speaker and former CM Raman Singh said, "Whenever big operations happen against them, these Naxalites come down to cowardly attacks. I express my condolences to the families of the jawans who lost their lives in this attack. The big step that Chhattisgarh government and central government are taking will take this step forward further."

This incident comes on the heels of a joint search operation in the South Abujmarh forest area at the Narayanpur-Dantewada district border of Chhattisgarh on Saturday (January 4) which resulted in the deaths of four Maoists and a state police constable.

“So far, there is news of four Naxalites being killed in an encounter between security forces and Naxalites in the south Abujhmaad region bordering Narayanpur and Dantewada districts,” Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said in a post on X. “DRG head constable Sannu Karam was also martyred in the encounter. His sacrifice will not go in vain. Security forces have been fighting very strongly against Naxalism and the fight will continue till the menace is eradicated. I pray to God for peace to the soul of the martyred soldier and to provide strength to his grieving family," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)