New Delhi, At least two labourers died while another sustained injuries after an improvised explosive device (IED) went off at an iron ore mine site in Narayanpur district of the Indian state of Chhattisgarh on Friday.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the deceased individuals have been identified as Ritesh Gagada (21) and Shravan Gagda (24), both hailing from Narayanpur district.
The incident occurred in the morning when the three workers were leaving for work at the Amdai Ghati iron ore mill on a hill under the jurisdiction limits of Chhote Dongar police station, located approximately 350 km away from the state capital Raipur, a senior police official said.
The police claimed that the IED was planted by Naxalites.
Jayaswal Neco Industries Limited (JNIL) has been allotted the iron ore mine in Aamdai Ghati and Naxalites have been opposing the project for a long time.
So after the incident, Indian forces’ personnel launched a search operation in the area, an official said.