Maharashtra: A purported plot to disrupt the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly polls was foiled by the police after two improvised explosive devices (IEDs), allegedly planted by Naxalites, were recovered from a bridge in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district on Saturday. One of the IEDs exploded when the security forces were trying to diffuse it. No injuries were reported in the incident.
Gadchiroli Police stated that the IEDs were planted by the Maoists in the wake of the upcoming Assembly elections in Maharashtra.
The Gadchiroli police had received a tip-off that Naxalites had planted IEDs on a bridge on the Parlakota River, connecting Bhamragad and Tadgaon villages, the official said.
After receiving the tip off, the bomb detection and disposal squad (BDDS) flew in from Gadchiroli in a helicopter, searched the area along with teams from the Gadchiroli police,Central Reserve Police Force, and Border Security Force, and found the explosives.
One of the IEDs detonated when the teams were preparing to diffuse it. The other one was destroyed by the BDDS in a controlled explosion, the official told PTI.
"None of the personnel were injured in the explosion, and a search for more explosives is still underway. An attempt by Naxalites to disrupt the November 20 Maharashtra assembly elections was thwarted due to the police's alertness," he said.
A search and combing operation to find any more explosives in the Maoist-effected region is underway.
Voting for the 288-member Assembly will be held in a single phase on November 20. The counting of votes will be done on November 23.