Bijapur (Chhattisgarh), August 18 — A police jawan was killed and three others were injured on Monday after an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by Maoists went off in Bijapur district, officials confirmed. The blast occurred when security personnel were carrying out an anti-Maoist operation in the forested region of Indravati National Park, a known insurgency-hit zone.

According to police, the jawans were on a routine patrol when they came in contact with the hidden IED. The explosion killed one District Reserve Guard (DRG) personnel on the spot, while three others sustained injuries. The injured security men were provided first aid and later shifted to a hospital for further treatment. Their condition is said to be stable.

The deceased has been identified as Dinesh Nag, while the injured jawans include Bharat Dheer, Payku Hemla, and Mundru Kawasi. Senior officials rushed to the site following the incident, and security forces have intensified search operations in the surrounding areas to trace Maoist presence.

Bijapur is among the most sensitive districts of Bastar division, where Maoist activity remains high. Despite several coordinated operations by state and central security agencies, insurgents continue to rely on landmines and IEDs to target patrolling teams in dense forest areas.

Authorities have stated that the incident highlights the continuing challenge of tackling left-wing extremism in the region. Security operations will continue, with additional forces deployed to prevent further attacks.