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Emotional tributes paid to cops killed in blast at Maoist gunpowder dump in Chhattisgarh
Three police personnel were killed on May 2, 2026, when a gunpowder dump linked to Maoists exploded in Kanker district. Wreath-laying ceremonies were held on May 3 in Narayanpur, and a separate wreath-laying for constable Parmanand Komra was planned in Kanker. The incident marked the first Naxalite-related fatality in the state since March 31, 2026.
Why It Matters
The deaths highlight ongoing security challenges in the Bastar region and come as the state had recently been declared free of armed Maoists, underscoring the risk environment for security forces operating in the area.
Timeline
4 Events
Separate wreath-laying planned for Parmanand Komra in Kanker
May 3, 2026
The mortal remains of constable Parmanand Komra, who succumbed to injuries during treatment in Raipur, will be shifted to Kanker, where a separate wreath-laying ceremony will be held.
Wreath-laying for Vatti, Komra and Gadhpale at Narayanpur
May 3, 2026
A wreath-laying ceremony was held at the Police Lines in Narayanpur district to pay homage to Inspector Sukhram Vatti and constables Krishna Komra and Sanjay Gadhpale.
Explosion at gunpowder dump near Aadnar village, Kanker district
May 2, 2026
Four police personnel were killed when an explosion occurred while they were disposing of a gunpowder dump hidden by Maoists near Aadnar village under Chhotebethiya police station limits in Kanker district.
Context: State declares being free of armed Maoists
March 31, 2026
It was the first time since the state was declared free from armed Maoists on March 31, 2026 that an explosion linked to Naxalites occurred in Chhattisgarh.