Raipur: On Tuesday evening, in a big strike barely two days ahead of the first phase of Lok Sabha elections in Chhattisgarh, five persons including a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA were killed as Naxals ambushed a convoy in Dantewada district. P Sundar Raj, DIG, Anti-Naxal Operations, said that Dantewada MLA Bhima Mandavi, his driver and three personal security officers belonging to the Chhattisgarh state police died in the attack. Separately, BJP leader Dharam Lal Kaushik confirmed that the MLA had succumbed to his injuries sustained in the attack.

Here it is to be noted that Mandavi’s convoy was attacked by Naxals using an improvised explosive device (IED), officials confirmed. Five personnel of the Chhattisgarh state police reportedly sustained critical injuries in the attack, three of whom succumbed later. According to the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), the attack took place between Kuakonta and Syamgiri in Dantewada district. The escort vehicle of the state police was caught in the IED blast, it added. DIG Sundar Raj, however, said the MLA's vehicle was hit by the IED blast. He added that bodies will be evacuated at the earliest for identification. Reinforcements of CRPF personnel have been rushed to the attack site and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has called a high-level meeting following the attack.

also read Archana Puran Singh reveals she get less fess than Navjot Singh Sidhu

However, it is worth mention that Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the horrific act and said that "the sacrifices of these martyrs will not go in vain". "Shri Bhima Mandavi was a dedicated Karyakarta of the BJP. Diligent and courageous, he assiduously served the people of Chhattisgarh. His demise is deeply anguishing. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti," he said while condoling Mandovi's death. Meanwhile, Special DG Anti-Naxal operations DM Awasthi has revealed that Mandavi was apprised about the threat on the route and was informed that adequate security was not present there. Awasthi claimed that the BJP MLA was even told to not visit the area.  Condemning the attack, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said that his government was trying to gain the trust of the tribals and that's why the Naxals committed this crime. "Naxalo ki har goli ka jawab unhi ki bhasha mein diya jaaye. (Every Naxal bullet will be answered in the same language)," he added. 

Baghel announced "I will be participating in the funeral tomorrow. Tribute will be payed to the jawans at Police ground. Home Minister, I and DG will be present there,". Home Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed his grief over the incident and said that he had spoked to Bhupesh Baghel and expressed and the latter had apprised him of the ground situation in Dantewada.

also read Indian Scout Range Recalled In the US to rectify flaw in anti-lock braking system