New Delhi (Sputnik): Bhima Mandavi, a member of legislative assembly (MLA) from the Chattisgarh state, was brutally killed in an attack carried out by Maoists in the Dantewada region, government sources told Sputnik. The lawmaker's convoy was passing through a hilly area when left-wing rebels triggered an IED explosive, following up with rapid fire.
Bhima Mandavi, who was travelling in the last vehicle of the convoy, died in the attack, along with five security personnel, sources added.
Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were rushed to the spot and there are reports that clashes between Maoists and the security forces are still going on. Bhima Mandavi represented Dantewada in the state legislature.
Earlier, in a similar attack by Maoists, a video journalist and two security personnel were killed in the Aranpur sector of the Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh.
Bastar region of the Chhattisgarh state is a hot-bed for left-wing-insurgents. The Maoists have called for a boycott of the upcoming Lok Sabha election, scheduled to be held in seven phases. The first phase will be held on 11 April.
Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has called a high-level meeting to review the security situation of the state following the attack.