Kanker/Chhattisgarh, May 2: Three personnel of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) were injured in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast on Saturday in the Naxal-affected Kanker district of Chhattisgarh. The incident occurred near the Kanker-Narayanpur border while security forces were conducting a search operation in the area.

According to officials, the explosion was triggered by an IED planted by Naxals to target patrolling forces. As the DRG team passed through the area, the device detonated, injuring three jawans. Fellow personnel immediately secured the site and evacuated the injured soldiers, who were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. Their condition is reported to be stable, and doctors are monitoring their recovery.

The blast underscores the persistent threat posed by Naxals in the region. Kanker and surrounding districts have long been considered sensitive zones due to insurgent activity. Security forces regularly conduct search and anti-Naxal operations to neutralize the presence of extremists and ensure the safety of local communities.

#IED_ବିସ୍ଫୋରଣ_୩_ଯବାନ_ଗୁରୁତର
ଛତିଶଗଡ଼: IED ବିସ୍ଫୋରଣରେ ୩ ଯବାନ ଗୁରୁତର
କାଙ୍କେରରେ ସର୍ଚ୍ଚ ଅପରେଶନ ବେଳେ IED ବିସ୍ଫୋରଣ
ଛୋଟେବେଟିଆ ଥାନା ନାରାୟଣପୁର-କାଂକେର ସୀମାରେ ବିସ୍ଫୋରଣ
ବିସ୍ଫୋରଣରେ ୩ ଜଣ DRG ଯବାନ ଗୁରୁତର ସୂଚନା#Chhattisgarh #IED_Blast #ThreeJawansInjured pic.twitter.com/FPqw4E4zEE

— Argus News (@ArgusNews_in) May 2, 2026

Following the incident, additional forces were deployed to the area, and a combing operation was launched to trace those responsible. Authorities believe that Naxals frequently use IEDs as a tactic to inflict damage on security personnel and disrupt ongoing operations.

Officials confirmed that the DRG team was on a routine patrol when the blast occurred. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and state police are expected to examine the site to determine the exact nature of the explosive device and the method used to plant it.

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This incident highlights the continuing challenges faced by security forces in Naxal-affected regions. Despite repeated offensives and intensified operations, insurgents continue to employ guerrilla tactics, including ambushes and IED blasts, to target personnel.

The administration has assured that operations will not be deterred by such attacks. Security agencies reiterated their commitment to intensifying anti-Naxal campaigns and restoring peace in the region.

For residents of Kanker and Narayanpur, the blast has once again raised concerns about safety. However, officials emphasized that proactive measures are being taken to secure vulnerable areas and prevent further incidents.

As investigations continue, the incident serves as a reminder of the complex security environment in Chhattisgarh and the resilience required by forces operating in insurgency-hit zones.