Narrow escape for BSF personnel as Maoists trigger IED blasts

A group of BSF personnel had a narrow escape when two explosive devices planted by Maoists went off in Kalimela area of Malkangiri district in Odisha today.

The explosions took place within a short interval when the BSF personnel had gone to the area near MPV-31 village to remove posters and banners put up by Maoists asking people to boycott the ensuing polls, Malkangiri Superintendent of Police Akhileswar Singh said.

The blasts took place minutes after the BSF party had completed its operation and was leaving the site, police said.

While no BSF personnel was hurt in the incident, two cows were killed as the improvised explosive devices (IEDs) went off when they apparently stepped over them, Singh said.

A police force was sent to the area after the incident and security personnel were maintaining a strict vigil.

The incident is being viewed as a move by the Maoists to disrupt the poll process.