Naxal IED Blast Kills Additional SP In Bastar, 4 Jawans Injured; Forces On High Alert

A tragic incident occurred in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region where an Additional SP was martyred after a pressure IED blast planted by Naxals went off during an early morning foot patrol. The blast took place in a highly sensitive zone where Naxals had reportedly laid multiple pressure IEDs in anticipation of security movement during their Bastar bandh call.The Additional SP, who had set out for patrolling at around 5 AM, was on foot along with his team when the explosion took place. Though he was rushed to the Konta hospital, he succumbed to his injuries during treatment. Four other personnel, including the station in-charge of Konta and another officer from Kuddup, were seriously injured and are being airlifted to Raipur for advanced medical care.Security forces have been conducting Operation Black Forest in the region to root out Naxal presence. In response to the growing pressure from security operations, Naxals have escalated their attacks. Just two days ago, they torched a truck on the National Highway, and now this fatal ambush has raised alarm across the Bastar zone. Central forces and CRPF units have been placed on high alert, and aerial surveillance using drones is underway to prevent further attacks.