Bijapur (Chhattisgarh) [India], July 31 (HBTV): Two villagers were allegedly murdered late last night by a group of 4–5 unidentified Naxals in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district, according to police reports.

The victims have been identified as Kawasi Joga (55), a resident of Chutwahi village, and Mangalu Kursam (50), a resident of Bada Tarrem. Both villages fall under the jurisdiction of Thana Tarrem police station.

Bijapur police stated that the two were attacked with sharp-edged weapons. The incident is under verification, and further details are awaited.

Earlier, on July 20, a 16-year-old boy was seriously injured in a pressure IED blast allegedly planted by Naxals in Kondapadgu village of Bijapur district.

The incident occurred while the teenager, identified as Krishna Gota, son of Fakir and a resident of Kondapadgu, was grazing cattle in the forest. The explosion, which took place around 5:00 p.m., resulted in severe injuries to his leg and face. He was rushed to the district hospital in Bijapur, where he is currently receiving treatment.

Condemning the attack, Bijapur Police described it as a 'cowardly act', stating that even innocent children are no longer safe from Maoist-planted IEDs.

'In their attempt to spread fear and violence, Maoists have begun targeting children too,' the police said in a statement.

Residents have been urged to exercise extreme caution in forested areas and to immediately report any suspicious items or activity to the nearest police station or security camp.

(ANI)