Chhattisgarh: CRPF Jawan Killed In Accidental Explosion During Poll Duty

The incident took place near Galgam village under Usoor police station limits while a security team was engaged in an area domination operation, situated around half a kilometer from a polling booth.

In a tragic incident, a 32-year-old jawan from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), deployed for poll duty, lost his life in an accidental explosion of an Under Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL) in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, as confirmed by the police.

The mishap occurred near Galgam village under Usoor police station limits while a security team was engaged in an area domination operation, situated around half a kilometer from a polling booth, stated an official, PTI reported.

Bijapur district falls within the Bastar Lok Sabha constituency, where voting is currently underway in the initial phase of the Lok Sabha elections.

The injured jawan, identified as constable Devendra Kumar from CRPF's 196th battalion, was promptly airlifted to Jagdalpur, the headquarters of Bastar district, via an air ambulance helicopter and admitted to the Medical College Hospital. Despite receiving medical attention, he tragically succumbed to his injuries during treatment, added the police official.

In response to the explosion, a team of experts was dispatched to Galgam village to conduct a thorough investigation, the official further elaborated. "Constable Kumar's last rites will be conducted in his native Dhobiguda village in Bastar district on Saturday," the official said. 

A few days back in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, amid an anti-insurgency operation, security forces killed nine Naxalites during an encounter on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, police said.

The exchange of gunfire unfolded when a combined team of security forces was conducting an anti-Naxal operation, said Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range) Sundarraj P, PTI reported.

After the fighting ceased, four Naxal insurgents were found deceased at the location, along with weaponry including a light machine gun, barrel grenade launchers, and assorted arms and ammunition, he further stated. Additionally, five more bodies were recovered from the clash site, with ongoing search efforts in the vicinity, as informed by the Inspector General.

The operation involved personnel from various security units such as the District Reserve Guard, Special Task Force, Central Reserve Police Force, and its specialised unit Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA), Sundarraj specified.

It is worth noting that Naxal militants typically intensify their activities during the Tactical Counter Offensive Campaign (TCOC) occurring in the warmer months from March to June each year. This period witnesses a surge in attacks against security forces in the Bastar region.