What Happened to the Tribal Boy Injured in an IED Blast in Chhattisgarh?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 12-year-old boy injured due to an IED blast.
- Incident highlights ongoing Maoist violence in the region.
- Security forces have initiated a search operation to locate further threats.
- Bastar region has seen a rise in civilian casualties from IEDs.
- Need for community awareness and surveillance.
Raipur, Oct 9 (NationPress) A 12-year-old tribal boy sustained serious injuries on Thursday due to a tragic incident involving a pressure-activated improvised explosive device (IED) that was allegedly planted by Maoists in the remote village of Pidia, located under the Gangaluur Police Station in Bijapur district, according to police officials.
The boy inadvertently triggered the hidden explosive while walking through the area, as reported by security officials.
The explosion inflicted severe injuries on the child, prompting an immediate response from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) battalions stationed nearby.
After receiving initial medical assistance, he was swiftly transported to Bijapur District Hospital, where he is currently under intensive care. This incident highlights a troubling trend of civilian casualties caused by IEDs planted by Maoists in the Bastar region.
In recent months, numerous innocent villagers, including children, have fallen prey to these indiscriminate devices, which are often buried along paths and forest trails frequented by locals and security forces.
The attack has ignited widespread anger and sorrow among the tribal community in Pidia and neighboring villages. In response, security forces have initiated a coordinated search operation in the area to identify and neutralize any further threats.
The location has been cordoned off, and bomb disposal teams are combing nearby trails and fields for any hidden explosives, as reported by a police official.
Senior officials from the Bijapur district administration condemned the assault and reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding civilians. A spokesperson from the Bastar Range Police stated, “The Maoists continue to exploit IEDs as instruments of terror, targeting the most vulnerable. We are intensifying our operations to prevent such tragedies from recurring.”
This incident follows a similar explosion in the Madded region last week, where a female Maoist was injured while attempting to plant an IED and was subsequently abandoned by her associates.
The ongoing use of pressure IEDs emphasizes the pressing need for enhanced surveillance, community awareness, and de-mining initiatives in areas affected by Maoist activity.