Malkangiri: A landmine planted by Maoists to target security personnel went off in Odisha’s Malkangiri district, causing extensive damage to a bridge. No one was injured in the explosion.
According to a delayed report received from Malkangiri on Saturday, the landmine was suspected to have been planted by Left Wing Extremists (LWEs) near a bridge at Gangalur in the district. Security forces often conduct patrolling in the area and follow this route during their operations.
The Maoists had planned to trigger an explosion during the movement of the security forces. However, the landmine exploded suddenly on Friday evening, damaging the bridge.
Communication on this route has been affected after the bridge got damaged. Meanwhile, police have started an investigation into the incident and combing operation was stepped up in the area, sources added.
