Raipur
A de-mining operation in the Chhotebethiya police station area—along the Kanker-Narayanpur border—turned deadly today when an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded accidentally, killing all four members of the Kanker District Reserve Guard (DRG) team involved.
The incident occurred during a routine de-mining, area domination, and search operation launched this morning. The blast critically injured Inspector Sukhram Vatti, Constable Krishna Komra, Bastar Fighter Constable Sanjay Gadhpale, and Bastar Fighter Constable Parmanand Korram. While the first three succumbed at the scene due to severe injuries, Korram was airlifted to a hospital in Raipur for advanced treatment but passed away en route or shortly after.
Kanker Superintendent of Police Nikhil Rakhecha confirmed the details, expressing profound grief over the loss. Bastar Range Inspector General of Police Sundarraj Pattilingam provided context, noting that intelligence from surrendered Maoist cadres over recent months had enabled security forces to recover and neutralize hundreds of hidden IEDs planted by insurgents across the region. “This unfortunate mishap occurred as the Kanker team was defusing one such device,” he said, underscoring the persistent risks in these operations.
Further updates will be provided as information emerges. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by security personnel in Bastar’s volatile terrain.
