3 civilians wounded in IED blast in India's Chhattisgarh

NEW DELHI, May 30 (Xinhua) -- At least three civilians, including a teenager, were wounded Friday when an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by Naxals went off in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh, police said.

The IED explosion took place near Bandepara village of Madded area in Bijapur district, about 467 km south of Raipur, the capital city of Chhattisgarh.

"This morning, three people were wounded after they were hit by an IED planted by Naxals. The trio was walking when they accidentally stepped over it, triggering the blast," a police official said. "The IED blew up, causing serious wounds to their legs and faces."

According to police, the wounded people were immediately taken to the district hospital.

Police officials say Naxals often plant IEDs along roads, dirt tracks and in forests in the state to target government forces. Apart from police and paramilitary personnel, several civilians have also fallen prey to such traps.

Last week, 27 Naxals, including a top leader, were gunned down during a fierce gunfight with government forces in the state. Enditem