Security – Three DRG Personnel Killed in Kanker IED Blast During Operation
Security – Three members of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) lost their lives on Saturday after an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated during a de-mining exercise in Chhattisgarh’s Kanker district. Another personnel was seriously injured in the incident, which occurred amid ongoing anti-insurgency operations in the region.
Explosion Occurs During Clearance Operation
According to officials, the blast took place near the inter-district boundary between Kanker and Narayanpur. A DRG unit from Chhotebethiya police station had been conducting area domination and search activities, along with efforts to locate and neutralize hidden explosives.
During the operation, security personnel identified an IED believed to have been planted earlier by Maoist groups. While attempting to defuse the device, it exploded unexpectedly, causing severe injuries to four members of the team.
Casualties and Injuries Reported
Authorities confirmed that three personnel succumbed to their injuries at the site. The deceased have been identified as Inspector Sukhram Vatti, Constable Krishna Komra, and Constable Sanjay Gadhpale. The force has expressed grief over the loss, describing the men as committed officers engaged in a high-risk mission.
Another constable, Parmanand Komra, sustained critical injuries in the blast and is currently undergoing medical treatment. His condition is being closely monitored, officials said.
Officials Term the Incident a Tragic Accident
Senior police officials stated that the explosion appears to have been accidental and occurred during the process of neutralizing the device. Bastar Range Inspector General of Police P. Sundarraj noted that such operations are inherently dangerous but remain essential for ensuring civilian safety and maintaining security in affected areas.
He added that in recent months, security forces have managed to detect and defuse a large number of IEDs across the region. These efforts have been supported by intelligence inputs and information received from surrendered Maoist cadres. Despite these successes, the presence of hidden explosives continues to pose significant challenges.
Ongoing Operations in Maoist-Affected Areas
Security operations in the Bastar region, including Kanker district, have intensified as authorities aim to curb insurgent activity. Teams are regularly deployed for search missions, area control, and explosive clearance to secure routes and nearby villages.
Officials emphasized that such operations will continue, with a focus on minimizing risks to both personnel and civilians. Additional details regarding the incident are expected as the investigation progresses.
Earlier Encounter Highlights Continued Tensions
In a separate development earlier this month, security forces reported the killing of a Maoist area commander during an encounter in forested terrain under the jurisdiction of Chhotebethiya police station. The individual, identified as Rupi, reportedly carried a reward of Rs 5 lakh. A weapon was also recovered from the site of the encounter.
Authorities stated that operations remain ongoing in the region, indicating that efforts to counter insurgent activity are being sustained despite the recent setback.