One killed as bomb planted by naxals explodes in Gadchiroli

Nagpur, Dec 4 (UNI) One person was killed when a bomb, with a pressure-release mechanism, allegedly planted by Naxalites, went off as he was trying to remove a banner in front of his house in village Tadgaon at Gadchiroli district in Maharashtra today.

Shankar Mantelwar (43) was trying to remove a banner put up by naxalites to mark PGA (People's Gureilla Army) week when the blast occurred, Gadchiroli district superintendent of police (SP) Shirish Jain told UNI.

Mantelwar sustained serious injuries, and later succumbed in a hospital in Bhamragarh, Mr Jain disclosed.

He said a police party sent to the spot had detected more detonator wires around the spot, and had therefore cordoned off the area. A bomb detection and disposal squad has been rushed to the spot, he added.

Naxalites are reportedly observing the sixth anniversary of the foundation of the PGA since December 1, here.

UNI AB WD SHB BS1236