India: 10 police personnel killed in 50-kg IED blast by Maoists in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada

At least 10 policemen and a driver were killed after Maoistsblew up a vehicle carrying them in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh. The attack took place in theDantewada district of the state and theMaoists used a powerful 50-kgImprovised Explosive Device (IED) to carry out the attack.The blast has left a big crater - 10 feet deep and 20 feet wide, covering the road's entire width.

According to reports, the policemen, belonging to District Reserve Guard (DRG) had gone to the district's Aranpur area after receiving intelligence inputs about the presence of Naxalities there.

However, during the return journey, the DRG personnel became the target of an ambush attack as the Maoists planted IEDs on the road which the driver failed to spot.

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Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel took to Twitter to confirm the news of the demise of the security personnel and the driver.

"The news of the martyrdom of our 10 DRG jawans and a driver due to an IED blast on the DRG force which had arrived for an anti-Naxal operation on the information of the presence of Maoist cadre under Aranpur police station area of Dantewada is very sad. We all the people of the state pay our respects to him. We all share the grief of their families. May their soul rest in peace," tweeted Baghel.

Baghel added,"My condolences to the bereaved families. This fight is in its last stage. Naxals won't be spared."

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke to Baghel regarding the attack and assured the Centre's full support to the state government.

"Anguished by the cowardly attack on the Chhattisgarh police at Dantewada. Have spoken to Chhattisgarh's Chief Minister and assured all possible assistance to the state government. My condolences to the bereaved family members of the martyred Jawans," tweeted Shah.

“Police received information about the presence of Maoists of Darbha division in Puru Hidma region and an operation was launched by the DRG troops. After the operation, when the jawans were returning to Dantewada, Maoists targeted an IED when the vehicle reached Aranpur-Sameli," saidBastar range inspector general of police P Sundarraj in a statement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack and paid condolences to the families of the bereaved.

"Strongly condemn the attack on the Chhattisgarh police in Dantewada. I pay my tributes to the brave personnel we lost in the attack. Their sacrifice will always be remembered. My condolences to the bereaved families."

Notably, the DRG is one of the units of the Chhattisgarh police, specifically constituted to counter left-wing extremism in the region.

(With inputs from agencies)

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