Kanker/ Chhattisgarh, May 2: A tragic incident unfolded in Chhattisgarh’s Kanker district on Saturday when three personnel of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) were killed and one critically injured in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast during a demining and search operation.

Officials said the blast occurred in a forested area under the jurisdiction of Chhote Bethiya police station, adjoining Narayanpur district. A DRG unit was deployed to locate and defuse IEDs suspected to have been planted by Maoists in the past. During the operation, the explosive detonated unexpectedly, catching the team off guard.

Officials said the blast occurred in a forested area under the jurisdiction of Chhote Bethiya police station, adjoining Narayanpur district. A DRG unit was deployed to locate and defuse IEDs suspected to have been planted by Maoists in the past. During the operation, the explosive detonated unexpectedly, catching the team off guard.

Bastar Range Inspector General of Police Sundarraj Pattilingam confirmed the casualties, stating that security forces have neutralised hundreds of IEDs across the Bastar region in recent months based on intelligence inputs and information from surrendered cadres. “However, in today’s unfortunate incident, while the Kanker District Police team was in the process of neutralising an IED, it detonated unexpectedly, resulting in the deaths of three police personnel and leaving one member critically injured,” he said.

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The DRG is a specialised force formed to carry out anti-Maoist operations in Chhattisgarh. Officials noted that this is the first blast incident linked to Maoists since the state was declared free from armed Maoist activity on March 31.

Security forces have intensified demining and area domination operations in the border areas of Kanker and Narayanpur districts, which have historically been sensitive zones due to Maoist activity. The incident underscores the persistent threat posed by hidden explosives, even as the state government and security agencies claim significant progress in curbing insurgency.

Authorities have assured that operations will continue despite the setback, with renewed focus on ensuring the safety of personnel engaged in high-risk missions. The sacrifice of the DRG jawans highlights the challenges faced by forces in maintaining peace and security in the region.