Photo Gallery: Tragic images of dastardly Naxal attack in Dantewada

BJP Dantewada MLA Bhima Mandavi and four security personnel were killed in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast carried out by Naxals in Dantewada, Chhattisgarh on Tuesday.

The incident occurred at Shyamagiri hills when the MLA's convoy was heading towards Kuwakonda from Bacheli area.

The Naxalites blew up a vehicle in the convoy with an IED and opened fire at the occupants. Five security personnel were killed in the attack, police officials said. 

The incident occurred at Shyamagiri hills when the MLA's convoy was heading towards Kuwakonda from Bacheli area.

The security forces were immediately rushed to the area following the attack. 

Zee News has learnt that Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel has cancelled his work-related programs for the day and has returned to his residence to take stock of the situation. Top officials of CRPF and state police have been summoned.

The Dantewada region has a Naxal-related problem with groups targeting people and politicians repeatedly - especially before elections. 

Naxal-hit Dantewada falls under the Bastar Lok Sabha constituency, which is slated to go to polls in the first phase on April 11. The campaigning for the polls ended on Tuesday evening. 

Chhattisgarh will go to Lok Sabha polls in first three phases - April 11, 18 and 23 for its 11 Parliamentary constituencies.