21-Year-Old Ritesh Gagda Killed in Naxalite Attack at Chhattisgarh Iron Ore Mine

A 21-year-old worker was tragically killed while another was injured in a devastating explosion caused by a pressure improvised explosive device (IED) planted by Naxalites at an iron ore mine site in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur district on November 24, according to police reports. The police informed that one laborer was reported missing after the explosion occurred.

The incident unfolded at approximately 7:30 a.m. when three workers were heading towards their workplace at the Aamdai Ghati iron ore mine, located around 350 km away from the capital city of Raipur. A senior police official revealed that Jayaswal Neco Industries Limited (JNIL) had been allocated the iron ore mine in Aamdai Ghati, and the Naxalites had been vehemently opposing the project for quite some time.

Based on preliminary findings, it appears that the workers accidentally triggered the blast when they came into contact with the pressure IED connection. The deceased worker has been identified as Ritesh Gagda, while the injured individual is Umesh Rana. The injured worker has been admitted to a local hospital for medical treatment, as confirmed by the police.

Efforts are currently underway to locate the missing worker, Shravan Gagda (24), who was accompanying the duo during the incident, added the police official.

The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by workers in conflict-ridden areas, where militant groups often target industrial projects. Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the planting of the IED and to bring those responsible to justice.

The local community and workers’ unions have expressed their shock and grief over the incident, calling for improved security measures to ensure the safety of workers in such remote and vulnerable regions.