Chhattisgarh Director General of Police DM Awasthi claimed that police had urged BJP MLA Bhima Mandavi not to take the road to Kuakonda, but he ignored the warning.

The MLA was killed along with his security officers and driver when Maoist triggered a blast in Dantewada.

“The MLA was provided security cover of about 50 DRG jawans during his day-time programme scheduled at Kirandul,” DPG Awasthi said in a press conference.

According to the DGP after taking lunch at Dantewada, the MLA had sent back DRG jawans telling them that his scheduled programmes for the day was over.

However, he went to Kirandul party office in his personal vehicles and was on to Bacheli when TI Bacheli came to know about his (Bhima Mandavi’s) movement, the DGP added.

“The TI called the MLA and requested him not to take the short cut road via Kuakonda as it was not safe. However, the MLA ignored the warning and went ahead,” DGP Awasthi stated.

Special Director General of Police (Naxal operations) Girdhari Nayak along with other officials was also present in the press conference.