5 DRG jawans killed, many injured in IED blast by Naxals in Chhattisgarh

20:23 March 23

17:15 March 23

Narayanpur (Chhattisgarh): At least five security personnel were killed and several others injured as Naxals blew up the bus in which they were travelling in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district on Tuesday.

The landmine explosion took place between Kademeta and Kanhargaon villages when the security personnel — mostly policemen — were returning after an anti-Naxal operation, state Director General of Police D M Awasthi told a news agency.

Over 20 security personnel were on board the bus, he added.

"Three security personnel were killed and many others sustained injuries. Reinforcement has been rushed to the spot and further details are awaited," the DGP added.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has strongly condemned the incident and said anti-Naxal operations will be intensified in the state. 

"Naxals are frustrated as they are losing their ground due to continuous operations by security forces in the region. This act is the outcome of their desperation", said CM. 

The attack came a day after five Maoists, including one allegedly involved in the killing of four policemen after abducting them in 2015, were arrested from two places in the state's Bijapur district.

Of the five, four were held near NH-63 under the Nelasnar police station area. One of them was a woman. Another cadre was arrested near Chinger village under the Kutru police station area.

Different teams of the District Force and the DRG were involved in these operations to arrest Maoists on Sunday too.

Tuesday's attack also came a year after a ferocious Maoist attack in Bastar on March 22 last year in which 17 security personnel -- five of STF and 12 of DRG -- were killed.

(With inputs from agency)