Chhattisgarh: BSF jawan injured in IED blast by Maoists during Home Minister’s visit to state

A Border Security Force (BSF) jawan sustained injuries on December 15 morning after an improvised explosive device (IED), planted by Maoists, exploded while his team was attempting to defuse it in Chhattisgarh’s Kanker district. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges posed by Maoist insurgency in the region.

The explosion occurred around 9:30 a.m. on the Hetarkasa village road near the Panidobir camp in Kanker district. A team of security personnel was on an area domination operation when they detected the IED planted by Maoists, according to Kanker Superintendent of Police (SP) Indira Kalyan Elesela.

While the BSF team worked to neutralise the explosive device, it detonated unexpectedly, injuring BSF jawan B. Ishwar Rao on his hand and face. The injuries, though described as minor, required immediate medical attention.

SP Elesela stated that preliminary treatment was provided to the injured jawan at the site before he was shifted to a hospital for further medical care. Security forces continue to maintain vigilance in the region, as operations against Maoist activity persist.

The incident coincided with the two-day visit of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to Chhattisgarh. Shah, who arrived in Raipur early December 15 morning, is scheduled to attend programs in Raipur and Bastar districts. During his visit, he is expected to review the ongoing counter-insurgency efforts and address the status of left-wing extremism in the state.

In a review meeting, Amit Shah reiterated that left-wing extremism in India is significantly waning due to sustained security operations and developmental initiatives. His visit aims to further bolster the morale of security forces and evaluate strategies to eliminate the remaining Maoist strongholds.

The Kanker district has been a hotspot of Maoist activities in Chhattisgarh, which remains one of the key states affected by left-wing extremism. The Maoists, also known as Maoists, frequently target security forces using IEDs and ambush tactics to disrupt peace and development in the region.

Despite recent successes in counter-insurgency operations, incidents like this underline the continued threat posed by Maoist insurgents. Security forces are working tirelessly to neutralise such threats and ensure safety for both their personnel and civilians in the affected areas.