A major Maoist attack in Dantewada district of Bastar resulted in the death of at least 10 District Reserve Guards (DRG) personnel and their civilian driver. The incident occurred when Maoists detonated a powerful IED on a kuchha road and opened fire on the injured jawans. The blast was so powerful that it created a crater of 12 feet deep and 25 feet wide, causing severe damage to the vehicle and bending some of the rifles by the shockwave. This attack takes place in an election year and comes shortly after the central and state governments claimed to have controlled the Maoist activities. The DRG, composed of tribal people including surrendered Maoists, is often targeted by insurgents. IG P Sundarraj believes that Maoists from Darbha division in Puru Hidma region set off the IED. The incident occurred when the DRG was returning from a gunfight between them and Maoists in Nahadi village. After the explosion, Maoists fired at the DRG and seized the opportunity to retreat. PM Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah, governor Biswabhushan Harichandan, and CM Bhupesh Baghel expressed their condolences. The state police and forensic experts, including specialists from NSG and NIA, are assisting in tracking down the Maoists.
