Four police personnel, including an inspector, were killed after an IED exploded during a demining operation in Chhattisgarh's Kanker district. The blast occurred in a forested area of Aadnar village while a team of security personnel was attempting to defuse the device.
Inspector General of Police Sundarraj Pattilingam said the explosion occurred at around 11.30 am and resulted in the death of three personnel on the spot. Another injured constable succumbed to injuries during treatment at a hospital in Raipur.
The security team had detected an explosive device during the operation, but it went off while personnel were attempting to neutralise it. A Bomb Disposal Squad was also present at the site.
Prima facie, it appears that the IED may have exploded due to an accidental circuit connection while being retrieved. A detailed ballistic and forensic examination is underway to ascertain the exact cause of the blast.
Security forces have launched a search operation in the area. Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma termed the incident as 'very tragic' and said the entire government stands firmly with the families of the slain police personnel.
