Maoists trigger IED blast, injuring three in Bijapur

Two members of the Special Task Force (STF) and a vehicle driver were injured in an IED blast in Bijapur district. The attack happened on Sunday evening as they were returning from a search operation on National Highway 63. The blast caused a five-foot deep crater in the road. Maoists triggered the explosion using a wire connected to the IED hidden under the road. After the blast, they fired at the vehicle carrying the personnel. The jawans quickly took cover and returned fire, which made the attackers retreat. Fortunately, the injuries suffered were minor. The injured jawans received initial treatment at a nearby health center before being taken to a district hospital in Bijapur. Their conditions are reported to be stable. This incident is noteworthy as it occurred on a road recently used by Chhattisgarh's deputy chief minister, who traveled through the same area. Local police and officials are investigating whether there were any security failures that led to this attack. Security forces have begun searches in the area to find those responsible. This event follows a recent encounter where 26 Naxalites were killed, and 17 surrendered, indicating increased tensions in the region.