Naxals attack Salwa Judum founder Mahendra Karma's motorcade

Former leader of Opposition in the Chhattisgarh assembly Mahendra Karma sustained minor injuries after his vehicle was blown up by suspected Naxalites in Dantewada district of the state, police said.

While the senior Congress leader was on his way to attend a programme at Barsur in Bastar district, the suspected ultras triggered a blast when his vehicle was passing on Faraspal road, about 7 kms away from the Dantewada district headquarters, Dantewada SP Narendra Khare told Bhasha/PTI.

"Four persons accompanying Karma in his bullet proof vehicle also sustained minor injuries while front portion of the jeep was damaged in the explosion," Khare said. Karma and others injured were rushed to hospital where they were declared out of danger, he added.

A manhunt was launched to nab the culprits, he added. Karma has been on naxal hit list for his role in launching the 'Salwa Judum' movement in the naxal hotbed of Bastar area in the state.