9 CRPF Jawans Killed in IED Blast by Naxals in Chhattisgarh's Sukma
"11 jawans were onboard the mine protection vehicle. 8 have been confirmed dead. Three others are being treated at the government hospital in Raipur," said DM Awashu, DG, CRPF (Naxal Operations).
Raipur, Mar 13: At least nine jawans of the Central Reserve Paramilitary Force (CRPF) were killed in an IED blast perpetrated by naxal militants in Chhattisgarh's Sukma on Tuesday.
The deceased jawan belonged to the 212 battalion of the CRPF, news agency ANI said. The personnel were onboard a mine protection vehicle which was passing through Kistaram, a naxal-dominated part of Sukma district.
The IED-triggered blast was carried out at 12:15 pm. Reinforcements were rushed to the region by the CRPF after the blast was reported.
In the search operation conducted after the IED blast, petrol bombs were recovered from the 300-metre vicinity of the location.
Reacting to the attack, Union Home MInister Rajnath Singh said, "My heartfelt condolences to the families of those personnel who lost their lives in Sukma blast. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured jawans. I spoke to DG CRPF regarding the Sukma incident and asked him to leave for Chhattisgarh."
MHA sources, while speaking to reporters, said the counter-terror operation is underway. However, no exchange of firing was reported in the aftermath of the fatal explosion.
"11 jawans were onboard the mine protection vehicle. 8 have been confirmed dead. Three others are being treated at the government hospital in Raipur," said DM Awashu, DG, CRPF, Naxal Operations.
According to reports, an encounter erupted between the left-wing extremists and the CRPF jawans earlier in the day in Sukma district, at around 8 am.
The 212 battalion of CRPF, also known as the "anti-naxal" battalion, is tasked with countering the threat posed by naxal elements on construction of roads, schools and other government institutions, apart from protecting the state-owned mines.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 13, 2018 02:24 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).