BSF personnel escape landmine explosion in Odisha

BSF personnel returning from a combing operation narrowly escaped when a landmine planted by Maoists on Friday exploded in Odisha's Malkangiri district, police sources said.

Around 60 BSF personnel were returning to their base camp at Kalimela after the operation in Bejangwada when the explosion took place barely 40 metres from them on a forest road near Gamphakonda, the sources said.

"The jawans escaped unhurt," a senior police official said.

Steps have been taken to intensify patrolling in the area after the incident, the sources said. 

The explosion follows the killing of Maoist leader Teli Kadraka in a fierce encounter with personnel of the Special Operations Group in Badamatura forests of neighbouring Koraput district on August 19.