Two polling staff, BSF jawan hurt in IED blast in Chhattisgarh, A joint team of BSF and district police had set out from Marbeda camp.

In a harrowing incident on the eve of the first phase of assembly elections in Chhattisgarh, a devastating IED blast, orchestrated by Naxalites, left two polling personnel and a Border Security Force (BSF) jawan injured in Kanker district. The explosion occurred around 4 p.m. as four polling teams, accompanied by security personnel, were en route to their designated polling stations under the jurisdiction of the Chhotebethiya police station.

A coordinated effort involving the BSF and district police had embarked from the Marbeda camp, providing security for the polling teams en route to the Rengaghati Rengagondi polling station. Tragedy struck near Rengagondi when a pressure-activated improvised explosive device (IED) detonated, causing injuries to two polling personnel and BSF constable Chandraparakash Seval.

Promptly, the injured were rushed to Chhotebethiya Hospital for medical treatment, and thankfully, their conditions were reported to be stable. Meanwhile, the remaining polling teams safely reached the Rengagondi polling booth, which is situated within the Antagarh assembly constituency.

The incident’s aftermath saw law enforcement agencies launching a comprehensive search operation in the area, leaving no stone unturned to apprehend those responsible for this malicious act. The upcoming election in Antagarh, one of the 20 constituencies slated for the first phase of the two-phase elections, has been marred by this disturbing prelude.

The unfortunate incident highlights the ongoing security challenges and the relentless threat posed by Naxalite insurgents in the region. Security forces have been on high alert to ensure the safety of election personnel and voters during the electoral process. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the complexities faced in regions affected by left-wing extremism, where ensuring a peaceful and democratic electoral process remains a formidable task. The security agencies and authorities continue their dedication to restoring order and fostering safe participation in the democratic process, despite such tragic setbacks.