Chhattisgarh: BJP MLA, 4 security men killed in Naxal attack

A BJP MLA and four security personnel were killed in Chhattisgarh as Naxals blew up their vehicle Tuesday, two days before polling for the first phase of Lok Sabha elections is held in the state, police said.

MLA Bheema Mandavi and the four others were killed as Naxals targeted a group of BJP leaders travelling in a convoy in Dantewada district, police said.

Visuals from the blast site showed the mangled remains of the vehicle and a gaping hole on the road on which it passed before Naxals blew it up.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has spoken to the DG anti-Naxal operations.

Former Chhattisgarh CM Raman Singh said, "I am in contact with Central ministers and spoke to PM Narendra Modi an hour ago. I will go to Dantewada and meet families of the deceased."
In a statement, CRPF said, "Between Kuakonta and Syamgiri in Dantewada, the convoy of BJP MLA Bheema Mandavi came under an IED attack today. The escort vehicle of State Police came under the blast. 5 personnel of Chhattisgarh State Police are critically injured. Reinforcement of CRPF has been rushed."