Vikash Sharma

Nuapada: A major tragedy was averted thanks to alertness and swift action by CRPF jawans who diffused a landmine weighing 5.5 kilograms in Nuapada district on Friday.

The landmine was supposedly planted by Maoists near Cherchuan checkgate under Sunabeda sanctuary.

CRPF officials said that the place where the landmine was planted is the single road which connects Barkot with Sunabeda and other areas. The road is mostly used by civilians, government officials as well as the security personnel.

“We received information regarding presence of some suspicious objects. Later, we immediately cordoned off the area and deployed security personnel along with Bomb Disposal Squad,” said Rajesh Vatsa. Commandant, 216 CRPF.

According to the CRPF Commandant, an IED weighing 5.5 kgs along with detonators was seized from the spot. As splinters were used, it is suspected that the Maoists had planted the explosive to target security forces and others, he said.

“We have intensified search in the area and our operation will continue for another two to three days,” Rajesh added.

(Edited By Suryakant Jena)

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