Chhattisgarh: In an attempt to disrupt peaceful execution of the polling process, Maoists on Tuesday triggered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast in Chhattisgarh's Balrampur district.

According to information received, the blast took place at around 8 am this morning, between Sitajhari Nala and Pachpedi Nala about 6km south-west of Bandarchuva camp falling in the limits of Samari police station. After being informed about the blast, police rushed to the spot and launched an extensive search in the entire area.

Although, one reporter is said to be hurt in the blast, senior officials have issued directives to security personnel on polling duty to remain extra cautious. 

It is just a desperate attempt by naxals to discourage the voting process, stated an officer, adding that despite the blast, the public are enthusiastically participating in the polling process.

Also read: Naxals keep Chhattisgarh burning since 2015, but fail miserably in scaring voters

It may be recalled that on April 4, four troopers of the Border Security Force (BSF) were killed in an encounter with naxals in insurgency-hit Kanker district.

On April 9, just ahead of the first phase of polling in Naxal-hit Bastar division, outlaws triggered a powerful explosion using an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) killing BJP Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Bheema Mandavi and four security personnel in insurgency-hit Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh.