In conflict naxal zone Bastar, a BJP MLA and five police personnel accompanying him, were killed on Tuesday in a mine blast near Kauakonda in Dantwada, about 450 kms south of Raipur.
The BJP legislator, who killed in the blast is identified as Bheema Mandavi. He was returning after holding a public rally at Kirandu in Dantewada. His convoy targeted by the naxal by laying powerful Improvised Explosives Device (IED). His bullet proof vehicle was tossed up in the air following the IED blast on the Kuakonda-Bacheli route.
The incident raises once again questions on failure of intelligence. In fact, Dantewada is among the worst Maoist-hit district in the conflict-ridden Bastar.
It also sends shivers down the spines of election staff, who were drafted to conduct polls in the area, though they were airlifted as precautionary measure.
On hearing the incident, additional security forces were rushed to the area. Further details are awaited.
According to media reports the Maoists have called for boycotting the elections as Dantenwada was set to go to polls in the first phase of general elections on April 11.
TV reports claim that the state Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has called for a high-level meeting at his official residence.