CRPF officer severely injured amidst Chhattisgarh Lok Sabha election

CRPF officer severely injured amidst Chhattisgarh Lok Sabha election
19 Apr 2024

A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officer was severely injured on Friday morning during the Bastar Lok Sabha seat polling in Chhattisgarh.

The injury resulted from an Under Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL) explosion near a polling station in the Bijapur district.

The incident took place while security personnel were conducting an area control operation, just 500 meters away from a voting booth located in the Galgam region.

Galgam region: A Maoist stronghold and election challenges
Election logistics

Galgam, located 50 to 55km from the Bijapur district headquarters toward Awapalli, is a region under Maoist control.

Due to safety concerns and inadequate road infrastructure, the Indian Air Force (IAF) was tasked with air-dropping polling parties to their designated areas.

Across Bastar, a total of 156 polling booths were set up where polling parties were air-dropped by the IAF.

Anti-Naxal operations intensify amidst election season
Security measures

Security forces were expecting significant resistance due to the escalation of anti-Naxal operations this year.

These operations have resulted in the elimination of 79 Maoists so far, with a single encounter in Kanker on April 16 accounting for 29 of these casualties.

The Naxal-affected Bastar is currently holding its first phase of general elections. A total of 11 candidates are in the race.