Narayanpur (Chhattisgarh) [India], April 5 (ANI): A villager was killed and another seriously injured after accidentally triggering an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) allegedly planted by Naxals in the Narayanpur district of Chhattisgarh, officials said on Saturday.
According to authorities, the two victims had ventured into the forest to collect wood and bushes for making brooms when the tragic incident occurred between the Jadda and Markud villages.
The deceased has been identified as Rajesh Usendi (25), while the injured villager is Ramlal Korram (25). Both individuals were residents of Kanagaon village.
“On April 4, residents of Kanagaon village, Rajesh Usendi and Ramlal Korram, went to the hilly jungle of Jadda-Markur to pluck fruits and brooms. While they were collecting flowers, a pressure IED planted by Naxalites exploded. Rajesh Usendi died on the spot due to serious injuries to both his legs, and Ramlal Korram sustained injuries to his throat, mouth, and neck,” said Narayanpur Superintendent of Police Prabhat Kumar.
SP Kumar noted a disturbing rise in incidents of civilians being harmed by Naxal-planted explosives. “Such incidents are increasing. A similar case of a civilian dying after stepping on an IED was also reported in Kurusnar, Orchha,” he added.
The injured villager has been transported to Narayanpur for medical treatment.
Meanwhile, in response to the growing threat, the Narayanpur Police have intensified their anti-IED campaign in the region. “So far in 2025, 15 IEDs have been detected and seized as part of a special operation,” said the SP.
He emphasized that Maoists continue to pose a significant threat by targeting security personnel with planted explosives.
In a separate operation earlier this week, two women Naxals carrying a bounty of ₹14 lakh each were killed in an encounter with the Hawk Force in Madhya Pradesh’s Mandla district. The faceoff took place on April 2 in a forest under Bichhiya police station jurisdiction. The police recovered weapons and other materials from the scene. (ANI)
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