Minutes before polling, Naxals trigger IED blast in C'garh

Minutes before the polling for first phase of the Chhattisgarh Assembly elections, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) of 1-2 kilograms was exploded by the Naxals near Tumakpal camp in Katekalyan block of Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district.

The blast occurred when troops of 195 Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were approaching polling booth at 6:20 am.

No injury or loss of life has been reported.

Voting for 10 out of 18 seats in the first phase of the assembly elections began at 7 am today, which will conclude at 3 pm. Polling in the remainder of the constituencies will take place from 8 am to 5 pm.

Earlier on November 11, a Border Security Force (BSF) personnel was killed in an IED blast in Kanker's Koyalibeda area of Chhattisgarh.

Keeping in view the growing terror of Naxals in Chhattisgarh, tight security arrangements have been made in several sensitive areas of the state to ensure peaceful elections.

Earlier, a polling official said that, in the light of elections, Naxals are trying to create an atmosphere of fear among the voters.

The remaining 72 constituencies in the state will go to polls on November 20. The results will be announced on December 11.