Four Border Security Force (BSF) jawans were killed and two others injured on Thursday after an encounter with Maoists in Kanker district in Chhattisgarh. The incident comes just weeks ahead of the Lok Sabha election in the state. Maoists have given a call for a boycott of the election. State police and paramilitary forces have intensified anti-Maoist operations ahead of the poll.
Police said, “The skirmish took place in a dense forest near Mahla village in Kanker district when a team of BSF’s 114th battalion was out on a search operation.” Deputy Inspector General (anti-Naxal operations) Sundarraj P said, “Four BSF troopers were killed and two injured in the incident. Additional security forces have been sent to the spot.”
Polling in the Kanker Lok Sabha constituency will be held in the second phase of Lok Sabha elections on April 18. Polling in 11 constituencies in the state will be held in three phases on April 11, April 18 and April 23. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.
