6 security men killed, 12 hurt in blast

Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh, Feb 8 (UNI) Six security personnel were killed and 12 others injured in a bomb blast in naxal-hit Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh today.

The explosion took place at Phundri village, 10 km from Bhairamgarh on the Geedam-Bhopalpatnam road this morning, when a police patrol was trying to defuse a landmine laid by the naxalites.

Two other landmines were also detected nearby, Dantewada Collector K R Pisda said.

Nagaland Armed Force Assistant Commandant Sarvato, jawans Nayak Batti and Apang Chang, driver Dinesh Daharia, Assistant Sub-Inspector Chandrakant Markam and Special Police officer Koyam Manku were killed on the spot.

Five seriously injured were taken to Raipur by helicopter for treatment, while other injured were being treated at Bhairamgarh.

The seriously injured include Bhairamgarh Block Panchayat President Vikram Maravi, Salwa Julum activists Bablu and Mannu Patel and two police jawans.

Police sources said a police patrol party from Bhairamgarh was on its way to Bodli village when they noticed the landmines on the road. After parking the vehicle, the police officials along with the villagers reached the spot. While defusing one landmine, it exploded.

Another police party was on its way to the spot to defuse two other landmines, police added.

UNI