4 jawans killed in landmine blast

Bhubaneswar, Feb 2: At least four jawans of Odisha State Armed Police (OSAP) were reportedly killed and nine injured in a landmine blast triggered by suspected Maoists in Odisha's Koraput district on Wednesday.

Police said the incident took place near Mungarbhumi area on Sunki hill, when the personnel were travelling in a van to Cuttack for training.

At least 13 personnel of the district police were in the van, said a police official. He, however, could not confirm the number of casualties.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed his condolence to the deceased families and described the incident as 'an act of cowardice'.

"Strongly condemn the cowardly act & condole martyrdom of police personnel in the landmine blast. My deep sympathies with bereaved families," tweeted Patnaik.