BJP legislator Bhima Mandavi has been killed in the attack.
A BJP convoy has been attacked by Maoists in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada BJP legislator from Dantewada Bhima Mandavi, was also in the convoy, has been shot dead. A gunfight with the Maoists is still on.
Photographs show the blast was set-off through an Improvised Explosive Device that was buried on the road. The blast had ripped apart the vehicle in which the lawmaker was travelling
Five people died instantly -- most of them security personnel accompanying the lawmaker.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condemned the attack. "Strongly condemn the Maoist attack in Chhattisgarh. My tributes to the security personnel who were martyred. The sacrifices of these martyrs will not go in vain," he tweeted. PM also condoled Bhima Mandavi's death in a separate tweet.
Sources said when the surviving people tried to come out of the car, the Maoists, who were hidden nearby, opened fire. The gunfight that followed is still on, sources said.
Here are the updates on the Maoist attack in Chhattisgarh:
Photos from the site, showing impact of the IED explosion
Election Commission seeks report on the attack
The Election Commission has sought a report on the Dantewada Maoist attack. Chhattisgarh's Chief Electoral Officer was on video conference with police officers in the affected districts. They have been asked to take utmost precautions over the next few days with elections scheduled on April 11, 18 and 23.
Rahul Gandhi condoles deaths in the attack
The attack in Dantewada, Chhattisgarh is very tragic. I pray to God to give strength and peace to the familes of those killed
BJP lawmaker Bhima Mandavi was advised by police to not visit the area, Dantewada Superintendent of Police Abhishek Pallav said
MP Nathaniel, former CRPF IG on the attack
The security forces have to be very alert close to the elections. They look for the loopholes in security and launch their attacks. There are SOPs in such situations. Election Commision officials brief security personnel
Lost a true public servant, former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh tweets
We have lost a true public servant as Shri Bhima Mandaviya. May his soul and also the soul of the brave jawans rest in peace.
PM condemns Maoist attack in Dantewada
P Sundar Raj, DIG Anti-Maoist operations
Priority is attending to injured. The MLA's car was targeted. It was a very powerful IED, the impact can be assesed by the large crater on the road. There is no mobile network at spot, will get back with detailed information
Crater on the road showing the intensity of the attack
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Dantewada attack
"Deeply saddened & angered at the Naxal attack in Dantewada that has claimed the lives of BJP MLA Shri Bheema Mandavi Ji and four members of the state police force. May their souls rest in peace. My heartfelt condolences to family and friends"
The vehicle was bullet-proof but not fully-armoured. The intensity of the blast was such that it broke in two. The detonation could have taken place using a remote control
High-level meeting called
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has called a high level meeting, after the attack, news agency ANI reports
The Maoist-hit Bastar region goes to polls in the first phase. The lawmaker had been campaigning in the area when his convoy was targeted.
Maoists set off a blast through an Improvised Explosive Device. A huge crater could be seen on the road and the vehicle overturned
More details on the attack
Attack between Kuakonta and Symgiri
The convoy of BJP MLA Bheema Mandavi came under an IED attack today evening
The Escort vehicle of State Police came under the blast
05 personnel of CG State Police are critically injured
Reinforcement of CRPF rushed.
Bhima Mandavi had been on campaigning when his convoy was targeted. Photographs indicated that the Maoists set off a blast through an Improvised Explosive Device.
BJP Dantewada MLA Bhima Mandavi was also in the convoy. The attack comes just two days before the national elections