Raipur: An encounter occurred between CRPF personnel and Naxalites in the Sukma district, specifically between Tadmetla and Duled. The CRPF's Cobra 206 unit engaged in this encounter while providing security to a polling party in Meenpa's forested region. The encounter reportedly lasted for approximately 20 minutes, resulting in injuries to some soldiers.

Simultaneously, in the Bande police station area of Kanker district, an encounter unfolded between the Border Security Force (BSF) and District Reserve Guard (DRG) during an area domination operation for voting near Panawar around 1 pm. The incident led to the recovery of an AK47, and a search operation in the area is ongoing. There is a possibility that some Naxalites may have been injured or killed.

During the Sukma, Chhattisgarh assembly elections, an encounter between police personnel and Maoists occurred in the southern part of Padera around 1 pm. The encounter involved the 85th Corps of the Central Reserve Police, responsible for area domination on voting day, and the Maoists. Lasting for about 5-10 minutes, the Maoists were observed fleeing the scene with two to three deceased individuals. Bloodstains and signs of dragging were also discovered on the site. All the soldiers remained unharmed, and nearby search operations continue.

The assembly elections in five states commenced today, including Chhattisgarh and Mizoram. Voting has concluded in 10 Chhattisgarh seats, while voting in 10 other seats started later. In Mizoram, voting is taking place for all 40 seats in a single phase. Given that several Naxal-affected areas are part of the voting regions, the Election Commission has deployed 60,000 security forces for security. Additionally, 25,429 employees have been assigned to oversee the election process.

Prior to these events, a CRPF Cobra battalion soldier was injured in an IED blast orchestrated by Naxalites in the Tondamarka area of Sukma, Chhattisgarh. The soldier had been on election duty at the time, with Sukma SP Kiran Chavan confirming the incident.

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