Maoist IED Blast in Narayanpur Martyrs Two ITBP Jawans, Injures Two Security Personnel

 

Two personnel from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) were martyred, and two policemen sustained injuries in a Maoist-triggered improvised explosive device (IED) blast on Saturday in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district.

 

The blast occurred around noon in the Kodliyar forest of the Abujhmad area during an anti-Naxal operation by joint forces.

 

Security teams from ITBP, Border Security Force (BSF), District Reserve Guard, Bastar Fighters, and District Force had launched operations from Orchha, Irakbhatti, and Mohandi areas, aiming to counter the increasing Maoist activities in the region.

 

As the patrolling forces were returning, Maoists detonated an IED, causing injuries to four personnel.

 

Among the four wounded, two ITBP personnel succumbed to their injuries while being evacuated. The fallen jawans have been identified as Amar Pawar (36) of Satara, Maharashtra, and K Rajesh (36) of Kadappa, Andhra Pradesh. Both served with ITBP's 53rd battalion.

 

 

Post-mortem procedures were carried out, and the wreath-laying ceremony is planned before their remains are sent back to their hometowns for the final rites.

 

The injured policemen, Arvind from Bastar Fighters and Anil of the District Force, were immediately airlifted to a private hospital in Raipur for treatment.

 

According to hospital officials, both sustained multiple injuries across their bodies. Arvind has suffered splinter wounds on his right eye, face, chest, and hands, while Anil has sustained similar injuries, particularly affecting his left eye and face.

 

The hospital authorities have confirmed that both are currently in stable condition and undergoing treatment.

 

This incident adds to the alarming casualties faced by security forces this year in Maoist-related incidents. A total of 17 security personnel have lost their lives in various attacks across the seven districts of the Bastar division in 2024 alone.