Hyderabad, Sept. 3: A tribal man died after an improvised explosive device (IED) allegedly planted by Maoists exploded at Karregutta hillocks in Mulugu district.
The deceased was identified as Madakam Nageswara Rao, 60, from Nugur village in Venkatapuram mandal.
Nageswara Rao had gone into the forest with five others to collect bamboo. The group stayed there on Tuesday night and cut bamboo on Wednesday.
According to Kursam Papa Rao, one of the group members, they were returning home on Wednesday evening when Nageswara Rao stepped on a pressure activated explosive.
Karregutta IED Blast Raises Fresh Safety Concerns
The blast threw Nageswara Rao into the air and caused severe injuries. His companions covered his wounds with clothes and carried him on a makeshift stretcher.
The group stopped in the forest when Nageswara Rao asked for tea. He later died before reaching the village, Papa Rao said.
The incident occurred at Bedemgutta, around 10 kilometres from the village. His body reached the village in the early hours of Thursday.
Local police reached the village after learning about the incident and launched an investigation.
Police are questioning the eyewitnesses about the route they used while entering and leaving the forest. Officials are also searching the area for other possible landmines.
Similar incidents have occurred at the hillocks in recent years. In July and August 2025, one tribal man died and two others lost limbs in landmine blasts.
In February 2026, a policeman was injured during a demining operation in the area.
The latest incident has raised concerns over safety at Karregutta hillocks. State and Central security forces have opened the area to the public to promote tourism.
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