Three injured as Maoist IED explodes in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur; victims were foraging for mushrooms

RAIPUR: At least three villagers, including a minor girl, were injured in an IED blast triggered by Maoists in Bijapur district of Bastar division, Chhattisgarh, on Sunday evening. The explosion occurred in a forest near Dhangol village.The injured villagers have been identified as Kavita Kudiyam (16), Korse Santosh (26), and Chidem Kanhaiya (24). The blast caused injuries to their legs and faces. According to a police, the incident took place on July 13, when a group of villagers had gone into the forest near Dhangol to collect wild mushrooms, locally known as futu. During their activity, they accidentally stepped on a pressure IED planted earlier by Maoists, which led to a sudden explosion. Maoists often plant IEDs to target security personnel involved in anti-Naxal operations. However, these pressure-based explosives have repeatedly caused serious injuries to civilians, including children and livestock, and have claimed many lives over the years. They were rushed to the District Hospital in Bijapur on Sunday night and are currently receiving medical treatment. Their condition is reported to be stable. Police have urged the public to remain extremely cautious when passing through forested areas. They have advised people to report any suspicious object or activity immediately to the nearest police station or security camp.