Dantewada, Chhattisgarh: Fifteen Naxalites, including seven women, were arrested following an IED blast in the Dantewada district, police reported on Tuesday. The blast occurred during a search operation by security forces on Sunday, but fortunately, no injuries were reported.
The explosion took place around 4:30 pm near Gumalnar village under the Geedam police station limits. A joint team comprising the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Bastar Fighters, both units of the state police, was conducting a search operation in the area when the incident occurred.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Unnati Thakur said the operation had been launched on Saturday in the forests around Gumalnar and Mustalnar villages. The Naxalites triggered the improvised explosive device (IED) in an attempt to harm the patrolling security personnel, but the team remained unharmed.
After the blast, security personnel observed some suspects trying to escape and managed to chase and apprehend 15 individuals. During interrogation, the suspects admitted to planning an attack on the security forces.
Items recovered from the arrested Naxalites included one IED, electric wire, a detonator, a steel tiffin box, Maoist pamphlets and literature, Maoist uniforms, and various daily use items.
The arrested individuals were produced in court and have been remanded in judicial custody. This operation marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to combat Naxalite activities in the region, ensuring the safety and security of the local population.
Authorities continue to maintain a heightened state of alert and conduct regular operations to prevent such incidents in the future.
Incident Details:
The Naxalites detonated the improvised explosive device (IED) while security forces were conducting a search operation near Gumalnar village, under the jurisdiction of the Geedam police station. The joint operation involved the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Bastar Fighters, both units of the state police.
Statements from Officials:
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Unnati Thakur informed reporters that the search operation had commenced on Saturday in the forests surrounding Gumalnar and Mustalnar villages. The blast occurred around 4:30 pm on Sunday as the Naxalites aimed to target the patrolling security personnel. However, the security team remained unharmed.
Arrests and Seizures:
After the explosion, security personnel observed several suspects attempting to flee the scene. They successfully chased and apprehended 15 individuals. During the interrogation, the suspects admitted to planning an attack on the security forces.
Items Recovered:
The operation led to the recovery of various items from the arrested individuals, including:
- One IED
- Electric wire and detonator
- A steel tiffin box
- Maoist pamphlets and literature
- Maoist uniforms
- Daily use items
Judicial Process:
The arrested Naxalites were subsequently produced in court and have been remanded in judicial custody.
This arrest is a significant development in the ongoing efforts to curb Naxalite activities in the region. The police continue to maintain vigilance and conduct operations to ensure the safety and security of the area.
