BSF jawan killed in Naxal attack in Chhattisgarh

A Border Security Force jawan was killed in a Naxal attack in Chhattisgarh's Kanker district, the third strike by the ultras since Saturday in the state.

A group of ultras opened indiscriminate firing on security personnel who were carrying out patrolling in the proximity of Chhote Baithiya Border Security Force camp under Bande police station area late last night, Kanker Superintendent of Police Jitendra Singh Meena told PTI.

A gunbattle erupted between the security forces and the ultras, who soon fled to the core forests, he added.

The martyred BSF head constable has been identified as Ramesh Kumar Solanki hailing from Uttrakhand.

"He succumbed to bullet injuries, sustained during the gunfight, while being taken to a local hospital," the SP said.

Body of a suspected Naxalite, in police combat fatigues, was recovered from the encounter spot with three Improvised Explosive Devices placed near it to target the security personnel.

Soon after the incident, reinforcements were rushed to the spot, the SP said, adding that a combing operation has been launched in the region.

Meanwhile, BSF chief D K Pathak is rushing to the state to review security arrangements in the district and other areas.

The BSF post where the incident took place had been recently created to conduct anti-Naxal operations in the area  in coordination with the existing units of paramilitary and state police.

Seven STF personnel were killed and dozen others were injured on Saturday when Naxals ambushed them in the forests of restive Pidmel village under Polampalli, around 450 kms from state capital Raipur.

The ultras on Sunday allegedly set ablaze at least 17 vehicles engaged in mining work in Naxal-hit Kanker district, 140 km from Raipur. However, no one was hurt.