4 cops killed in IED blast during de-mining operation in Chhattisgarh

FOur constabulary personnel, including an inspector of dominion hold ward (DRG), were killed after an jury-rigged explosive device (IED) exploded while attempting to neutralise it during a demining operation in Chhattisgarh’s Kanker district on Saturday, police said.According to police, three personnel died on the spot following the explosion, whereas the fourth succumbed to injuries during treatment at a hospital in Raipur.Inspector general of police of Bastar Range Sundarraj Pattilingam said the explosion at around 11.30 am occurred in a forested area of Aadnar village under the Chhotebethiya police station limits near the Narayanpur district border.The senior police officer said a team of Bastar Fighters personnel, led by DRG inspector Sukhram Vatti, was conducting an operation to trace and defuse IEDs allegedly planted earlier by Naxalites.Based on the intelligence inputs, security personnel went to recover a Maoist dump and successfully located it containing explosives, he said.He added that security forces had recovered and neutralised hundreds of IEDs planted by Maoists across the Bastar region in recent months based on intelligence inputs and information from surrendered cadres.“However, in today’s unfortunate incident, the IED accidentally exploded while the Kanker district police team was trying to defuse it, resulting in the death of three personnel and serious injuries to one,” he said.The security team detected an explosive device during the operation, but it went off while personnel were attempting to neutralise it, police added.Inspector Vatti, constables Krishna Komra and Sanjay Gadhpale died on the spot. Another injured constable Parmanand Komra was airlifted to Raipur but died during treatment at a hospital there, Pattilingam said.A Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) was also present at the site.Prima facie, it appears that the IED may have exploded due to an accidental circuit connection while being retrieved, the senior police officer said, adding that a detailed ballistic and forensic examination is underway to ascertain the exact cause of the blast.Security forces have launched a search operation in the area, he added.Chhattisgarh deputy chief minister Vijay Sharma termed the incident as “very tragic” and said the entire government stands firmly with the families of the slain police personnel.Based on the intelligence inputs, security personnel went to recover a Maoist dump and successfully located it containing explosives, he said.“They handled the device according to standard procedure, but the nature of its manufacturing was such that it triggered a powerful explosion, in which four personnel were martyred. This is a very tragic incident,” he said.“I am deeply saddened by the loss. I pray to God for peace to the departed souls. The entire government stands firmly with the bereaved families,” Sharma added.The incident is the first blast linked to Naxalite activity in the state since March 31, when authorities declared the country free from armed Maoists.(With PTI inputs)