8 security personnel among 9 dead in IED blast triggered by Maoists in Bastar

RAIPUR: At least eight security personnel and a vehicle driver were killed in a major IED blast triggered by Maoists on a police vehicle in Bijapur district of Bastar division in Chhattisgarh on Monday.

The incident took place at Kutru region, located about 80km from district headquarters around 2.30 pm in Kutru-Bedre route.

Bastar range inspector general of police P Sundarraj confirmed to the TOI that eighte security personnel and a vehicle driver were killed in the IED blast triggered by Maoists.

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Sources said that a few other jawans were also severely injured and they were being taken to nearest health centre for treatment and then they will be flown to Raipur.

Officials indicated that the number of casualties might increase. The region has been cordoned off.

Preliminary information indicates that the jawans were on their way to neighbouring Dantewada district on a Scorpio vehicle, when the IED exploded.