Daijiworld Media Network - Raipur

Raipur, Oct 9: Four personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were injured in an accidental explosion while disposing of unused explosives in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh on Thursday evening.

The injured personnel have been admitted to the government hospital in Konta, where they are undergoing treatment. The condition of two Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs) remains critical, and they are likely to be shifted to another medical facility for advanced treatment.

The personnel belonged to the Ammunition Technical Team of the CRPF’s 50th battalion. They had travelled from Jagdalpur to the Elarmadgu camp under the Konta range to inspect and dispose of leftover and unused explosives.

The blast occurred while they were disposing of an unserviceable explosive near the security camp under Bhejji police station limits.

The injured have been identified as ASI MK Tiwari, ASI Anees Khan, Head Constable Kuldeep Raj and Inspector Amarnath Mishra.

A senior official said the explosion occurred during a routine exercise involving unserviceable grenades and ammunition. The four personnel sustained injuries from splinters, according to preliminary information.

Sukma has been one of the districts most affected by Naxalite activity in Chhattisgarh. However, security operations by the CRPF and state police have contributed to improvements in the situation, with several Naxalites surrendering in recent months.

In February, 22 Naxalites, including a woman, surrendered before senior police and CRPF officials under the government’s ‘Poona Margem’ (New Dawn) rehabilitation scheme. Each was provided financial assistance of Rs 50,000, with further rehabilitation planned under the government policy.

According to Sukma Superintendent of Police Kiran Chavan, the District Reserve Guard, District Force Sukma, Range Field Team Jagdalpur and CRPF played key roles in facilitating the surrender. More than 1,500 Naxalites surrendered across Chhattisgarh in 2025, officials said.