In a chilling reminder of the persistent Maoist threat, three villagers were seriously injured in a pressure-activated IED blast on Friday morning in Bandepara village, located in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh’s insurgency-hit Bastar region.
The explosion, which occurred between 8:30 and 9:00 AM, was triggered as the victims—Gote Joga (45), Vivek Dhodi (17), and Badde Sunil (20)—were walking to the village for routine chores. The improvised explosive device, allegedly planted by Maoist insurgents, detonated when stepped on, inflicting severe leg and facial injuries.
Emergency services were swiftly deployed, rushing the injured to a nearby medical facility. Police and local administration coordinated the evacuation and care efforts. Authorities condemned the act, labelling it another cowardly attack on civilians.
“The Maoists deliberately targeted innocent villagers. This is a brutal tactic to instill fear,” said a senior police official.
This incident follows closely on the heels of a massive explosive loot—5,000 kg of material stolen in Odisha earlier this week—prompting heightened security across Bastar. Maoists are known to use such explosives to plant IEDs, causing fatalities or life-altering injuries, particularly to unsuspecting civilians and security forces.
Security patrols have been intensified, and an investigation is underway to trace those responsible and prevent further violence.
The cycle of fear and suffering continues for villagers, who remain the most vulnerable in this protracted conflict.
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