NEW DELHI – An IED blast reported in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district,officials said. They said Maoists had set up a strong ambush in the junglesof Kondasawli-Jagargunda area in south Bastar district and troops of the231st battalion of the force got engaged in it when they were undertakingan operation.
A heavy exchange of gunfire took place between the two sides at about 9:30am followed by an improvised explosive device (IED) blast, they said.
“The Maoist ambush was successfully thwarted and a CRPF jawan sufferedsplinter injuries on his hand due to the impact of the IED explosion,” asenior official said. The jawan has been evacuated for medical care to thenearby Dantewada district and a search operation is on the area, they said.
The Sukma district of the state is a Naxalite hotbed and nine men of theCentral Reserve Police Force were killed and two others injured whenMaoists triggered a landmine blast underneath their armoured vehicle in thedistrict on March 13.
The TCOC (tactical counter-offensive campaign) of Naxals, when they launchdaring attacks on forces and undertake strategic movements in these areas,is currently on.