Two BSF men killed in landmine blast in Odisha’s Koraput

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Jeypore, Jan 8:

A jawan and deputy commandant of the Border Security Force (BSF) were killed in a landmine blast during combing operations in Kaliajhula forested area of Ramgiri under Baipariguda police limits in Odisha’s Koraput district today.

The landmine blast is suspected to have been triggered by Maoists from neighbouring Chhattisgarh.

The deceased BSF personnel have been identified as  jawan Sibasish Panda and deputy commandant  Sunil Behera, reports said.

While Sibasish died on the spot, Sunil succumbed to his injuries at the district headquarters hospital at Koraput, where he was admitted, the reports added.

Local sources said the blast occurred when Behera and Panda were moving on a bike in the Kaliajhula forest during combing operations following suspected Maoists shooting dead a local businessman in Dandabadi village late last night.

Combing has been intensified in the area following the blast.

Maoists are observing a bandh today in Nuapada, Kalahandi and Nabarangpur districts of Odisha and parts of neighbouring Chhattisgarh in protest against ‘Operation Green Hunt’. Security has been tightened in these areas in view of the bandh call.