Sunday, September 4 2005 13:50 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Raipur: At least 23 security personnel were killed in a powerful landmine blast triggered by the Naxals in Bijapur police district of Chhattisgarh.

While bodies of 16 personnel have been recovered, seven are still trapped in the anti-landmine vehicle, which was blown by the ultras near Padeda village, about 12 kms from Bijapur, last evening, Chief Minister Dr Raman Singh told sources in Raipur today (Sept 4, 2005).

The deceased include 21 personnel of the 87th battalion ofCentral Reserve Police Force (CRPF) while two others belong to the District Force of Bijapur police.

The injured have been airlifted to Raipur in a serious condition, he said.

Meanwhile, the Director General of Police has already reached the spot, Singh added.

In all, four CRPF personnel, including Commander B K Toppo, were injured in the incident, the Chief Minister said adding, one jawan died at a Hospital in Bijapur.

The three survivors, who were airlifted to the state capital, have been admitted to the Raipur Medical College Hospital.

After meeting the injured at the Hospital here, Home Minister Ram Vichar Netam flew to the Bijapur district to assess the situation, official sources said.