RAYAGADA: A group of CRPF jawans on Thursday morning had a narrow escape as they detected a powerful landmine in Range Fire area of Reserve Police at Barijhola village, 4 km from the district headquarters town.They found the explosive suspected to be planted by Maoists to target the jawans. According to reports, the forces were on their way to the ground for morning physical exercise when they unearthed the landmine with the help of sniffer dogs and metal detectors, which they carry during their routine firing sessions as per the Standard Operation Procedure (SOP).
Immediately, the jawans, along with Rayagada police, defused the landmine and intensified combing operation in the area.Second in Commandant Mitu Roy said the explosive was planted by suspected Maoists to target the CRPF personnel, but the attrmpt was foiled by the alert jawans. Meanwhile, Rayagada police also launched an investigation into the incident. At least two battalions of CRPF have been set up in Rayagada to combat Naxal menace in the district.