Landmine explosion in central India kills 3 security officials

[News_Editor]

Landmine explosion in central India kills 3 security officials

2011-10-08 12:48:43 GMT+7 (ICT)

JAGDALPUR, INDIA (BNO NEWS) -- Three security officials were killed on Friday morning when a landmine explosion struck a truck convoy in central India, local media reported on Saturday. A fourth person was seriously injured.

The attack happened when an 11-mini truck convoy, which was carrying men and supplies of the Sahastra Seema Bal (SSB), crossed the Dantewada border area and entered Bastar district in the state of Chhattisgarh near the village of Pendra, some 60 kilometers (37 miles) from of Jagdalpur. The SSB is one of India's Central Armed Police Forces.

Local authorities told the Times of India that the convoy belonged to SSB's 41 battalion stationed in Dantewada and had earlier departed from Raipur. The blast hit the fourth vehicle which was carrying four people in the front cabin.

As a result, two SSB jawans (private soldiers) were killed at the scene while two others were rushed to an area hospital, where a third jawan died. The fatalities were identified as Dharmesh Nath, Dilip Chandrella and Vivek Kumar.

The incident occurred on NH 16, which is a highway that leads to Dantewada from Jagdalpur, Bastar's headquarters. The highway is considered one of the safest and busiest roads in the region, which has been suffering from heavy insurgent activity.

Reports said the powerful explosion left a five-foot (1.5 meter) deep crater in the road. The supplies being transported by the mini truck, which included kitchen items, maps and boards, were found spread up to 20 feet (6 meters) away from the crater.

Superintendent Garg said SSB is currently being withdrawn from the district and the mini truck convoy was the last contingent to leave. Meanwhile, Bastar Inspector General said the explosive had probably been planted under the highway by digging a hole on the side of the highway.

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