Maoist IED Blast In Chattisgarh's Dantewada Kills Ten Police Personnel, One Civilian

In a deadly attack in the Dantewada district of Chattisgarh, 11 people including 10 District Reserve Guard (DRG) policemen and one civilian were killed in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast carried out by Maoists on Wednesday (April 26).

Chattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Bhagel has condemned the attack and said, "There is such information with us. It is very saddening. My condolences to the bereaved families. This fight is in its last stage. Naxals won't be spared".

The Chief Minister tweeted, "The news of the martyrdom of our 10 DRG jawans and a driver due to IED blast on the DRG force which had arrived for anti-Naxal operation on the information of the presence of Maoist cadre under Aranpur police station area of Dantewada is very sad. We all the people of the state pay our respects to him. We all share in the grief of their families. May his soul rest in peace".

Chattisgarh's Home Minister, Tamradhwaj Sahu, in an interview with the media has explained that, "Secret Information was received about presence of Naxals. DRG jawans were sent to the spot. When they were returning after the search, an IED attack took place in which 10 DRG jawans and one driver lost their lives. Extra force has been sent to the spot".

"The blast happened around the area of Aranpur Police station where a team of DRG policemen were returning after conducting anti-naxalite operation," a police officer has earlier said.

More details awaited.