Bijapur, Chhattisgarh, Jan 19: A young tribal’s life was tragically cut short on Sunday after a Maoist planted improvised explosive device (IED) detonated in Kasturipad village under the Usur police station limits in Bijapur district.
Ayta Kuharami, a 20 year old local resident and son of Budhra Kuharami, stepped on a pressure activated IED while entering a nearby forest, commonly used by villagers for daily livelihood activities. The blast grievously injured his legs, and despite being rushed for medical treatment, he succumbed to his injuries en route to the hospital. The incident has left the village in mourning and the family devastated.
In response, security forces launched intensive search and sanitisation operations in the surrounding forest area. Bomb disposal squads were deployed to locate and neutralise any unexploded devices, amid fears of further civilian harm.
Police officials noted that while Maoists typically plant IEDs to target security personnel, innocent villagers often become unintended victims. Authorities have urged residents to exercise extreme caution while entering forests and remote areas and to immediately report any suspicious objects or movements to the nearest police station or security camp.
The administration reaffirmed that operations against Maoist activities will continue with a focus on safeguarding civilians and restoring normalcy in the region.