Narayanpur, April 4, 2025 — A man was killed and another injured after an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by Naxalites exploded in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur district on Friday, police said. The blast occurred in the afternoon on a dirt track between Jadda and Markud villages when the victims were gathering sticks to make brooms.
Rajesh Usendi and Ramlal Korram, both 25 and residents of Kanagoan, triggered the pressure IED, causing an explosion that killed Usendi on the spot. Korram was rushed to Narayanpur district hospital, where he is receiving treatment.
Police officials said such incidents are increasing in the Bastar region, as Naxalites continue to plant IEDs to target security forces, but end up harming civilians and cattle. “This reflects the frustration of Naxalites and their anti-tribal mindset. More than 15 IEDs have been recovered this year in Narayanpur alone,” a senior officer said.
Similar incidents have claimed several lives in recent months. In January, a villager was killed and two others injured in an IED blast in Narayanpur’s Kurushnar village. On March 30, a 40-year-old tribal woman died in a blast in neighboring Bijapur district.
Maoists frequently use IEDs along roads, dirt tracks, and forested areas to ambush security personnel, but civilians often become unintended victims. Security forces continue demining operations to curb the threat.
