BJP MLA, 4 security personnel killed in Naxal attack in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada

NEW DELHI: BJP Chhattisgarh MLA Bhima Mandavi and four policemen were killed in Dantewada on Tuesday after Maoists blew up their vehicle using an improvised explosive device.

The terror attack comes just 48 hours before the Lok Sabha elections in Bastar. The attack took place between Kuakonta and Shyamgiri hills when the state police escort vehicle was hit by the IED.

A reinforcement party of the Central Reserve Police Force was rushed to the spot.


P Sundar Raj, DIG, Naxal operations, said the MLA’s vehicle was hit by the IED that left a huge crater at the attack site. Chief minister Bhupesh Baghel called for a high-level meeting in Raipur following the incident. A preliminary report suggests that an ambush was set up by the Naxals to target the convoy.

Mandavi was the only BJP legislator among the 12 MLAs of Bastar region –– the others belonged to the Congress.

This attack is the third in the last five days — including the killing of four BSF personnel — which shows that Red Ultras’ activity has increased. Sources at the Centre stated that pre-poll violence by Naxals has gone up since the police has not been carrying out operations.

The attack is seen as a call by Naxals to boycott the Lok Sabha polls scheduled to be held in three phases in Chhattisgarh. Elections in Bastar region is to be held in the first phase on Thursday.