Naxals used foxhole mechanism due to which IED in Dantewada couldn’t be detected

The probe into the Dantewada naxal attack that took place two days back has revealed that the 50 kilogram Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was planted two months back under the road.

Further it has been learnt that the IED had not been detected during the defining exercise that was carried out on the same route. Ten police personnel and a driver were killed in the explosion that took place on April 26. It is the biggest attack by the naxalites in the last two years.

With these revelations, it is now to be seen whether the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) was followed or not. The very fact that the police personnel were travelling in a rented mini van raised questions if the protocols were followed.

According to Bastar Inspector-General of Police, P Sundarraj, the IED weighing around 50 kg could not be detected as it was planted too deep. The explosive device was so powerful that it blew a deep crater.

The police are still probing how the bomb had gone undetected.

"On investigation it had been found that the IED had been planted two months back. This was ascertained as the grass had grown on the soil surrounding the wire, which was extended from the IED and connected with the trigger," the IG said giving out details of the probe.

The IG also said that prima facie it appears as through the naxalites had planted the IED by tunnelling.

Taking refuge in the dense forest, they buried the wire in the ground 2-3 inches deep and extended it to 150 meters. Such tunnelling is known as foxhole mechanism, which does not get detected in the de-mining process, the IG said.

He further added that the probe will pull up more information in the near future. A case has been registered under the Arms Act and UAPA against Darbha division committee cadres Jagdeesh Lakkhe, Line, Some and Mahesh, he added.