THE BSF squad travelling in a jeep was targeted near Chitrakanda at around 1pm on Friday under Chitrakanda police limits about 200 kms from Koraput District. According to the reports the Officers who were returning in the vehicle after attaining a security meeting with the district administration at Malkangiri for coming panchayat elections in the State. The victims have been identified as Commandant (107 Batallion) J R Khaswan, his second in Commandant Rajesh Saran, Inspector Ashok Yadav and Assistant Sub inspector and Radio operator of the squad Jitendre.

The two other troopers injured were identified as Constable Bishnu Panigrahy and S K Kundu. Kundu was driving the ill fitted BSF vehicle, reported The Times of India. A BSF unit is located close to the area were the blast occurred and the team was approaching. A reinforcement contingent of joint security forces has been dispatched for search operations a Senior Officials said. BSF Director General V K Bansal as rushed to the spot were the blast took place.

The spot is near to Balimela reservoir, for the deadly Naxal ambush in June to July when 38 Greyhound Commandos of Andhra Pradesh were killed when they were crossing water body in a boat.