CAF jawan martyred in IED blast triggered by Naxals in Chhattisgarh

An improvised explosive device (IED) planted by Naxalites exploded in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district on Sunday, killing a head constable of the Chhattisgarh Armed Forces (CAF).

The blast occurred around 7 am near Batum village under Orchha police station limits. Three policemen were killed in an encounter with Naxalites in Sukma district on Saturday.

The head constable killed in the IED blast has been identified as Sanjay Lakra. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Hemsagar Sidar confirmed the incident.

After receiving information that Naxalites had put up banners in the area, a CAF team started patrolling from Orchha police station, located about 300 km from the state capital Raipur, the official said.

As the patrolling team was advancing through Batum, Senior Constable Sanjay Lakra, belonging to the 16th Battalion of the CAF, inadvertently stepped on the IED's pressure connection which triggered the blast, leading to his death, the official said.

The body of Lakra, who lived in Jashpur district of Chhattisgarh, was taken to a local hospital, he added. On February 20, two policemen were killed in a Naxalite attack in Rajnandgaon district of the state.