BJP MLA Bhima Mandavi among five killed in Maoists attack in Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada

BJP MLA Bhima Mandavi and four security personnel were killed when their convoy was attacked by Maoists in Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh on Tuesday. 

The incident occurred at Shyamagiri hills when the MLA's convoy was heading towards Kuwakonda from Bacheli area. The Maoists blew up a vehicle in the convoy with an IED and opened fire at the occupants. The MLA and four security personnel were killed in the attack, police officials said. 

P Sundar Raj, DIG-Anti-Naxal Ops: BJP MLA Bheema Mandavi killed in naxal attack in Dantewada pic.twitter.com/CcYVeKHwXT

— ANI (@ANI) April 9, 2019

"We have information of BJP MLA Bheema Mandavi, his driver and 3 PSOs getting killed in IED blast in Dantewada, today evening. It was a powerful IED blast. Bodies to be evacuated at the earliest for identification," P Sundar Raj, DIG-Anti-Naxal Ops, said.

“Between Kuakonta and Syamgiri in Dantewada, the convoy of BJP MLA Bheema Mandavi came under an IED attack today. The escort vehicle of State Police came under the blast,” CRPF was quoted as saying by ANI.

Special DG (Anti-Naxal Ops) DM Awasthi said that the BJP MLA was informed that adequate security was not present on the route near Kuakonda and that he should not go there.

"BJP MLA Bheema Mandavi, his driver and 3 PSOs have lost their lives. Bachheli PS Incharge had informed the BJP MLA that adequate security was not present on the route near Kuakonda and that he should not go there," DM Awasthi said.

Additional security forces have been rushed to the area, they said. Dantewada falls in the Bastar Lok Sabha seat which will go to polls in the first phase on April 11. 

Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has called a high level meeting.