Two CRPF jawans hurt in IED blasts during anti-Maoist ops in Jharkhand

An improvised explosive device (IED) blast injured two personnel of the CRPF’s 209 CoBRA battalion during an anti-Naxal operation in the Saranda forest of Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district on Saturday, officials said.

The incident took place near Chadri Dera village under the Chhota Nagara police station when a joint team of district police and CRPF was conducting a search operation against CPI (Maoist) cadres in the densely forested and highly insurgency-affected region.

According to officials, the security personnel came in contact with an IED allegedly planted earlier by Maoists in the forest. The explosion left two CoBRA jawans injured, one of them reportedly in serious condition.

The injured personnel were immediately evacuated from the forest area and provided primary treatment before being airlifted to Ranchi for advanced medical care.

West Singhbhum Superintendent of Police Amit Renu confirmed the incident, stating that the blast occurred during an ongoing anti-Naxal operation. Following the explosion, security forces intensified combing operations in the area and heightened vigil to prevent further attacks.

Security agencies said that forces have achieved several successes in recent operations against Maoists in the region, which may have prompted the insurgents to plant IEDs at multiple locations to target security personnel.

Saranda forest, considered one of the most challenging terrains in the state, has long been a stronghold of Maoist activity.

The district administration has appealed to local residents to avoid venturing into the forest unnecessarily and to immediately inform police about any suspicious objects or movement.

Officials said operations against Maoist elements will continue and that all necessary steps are being taken to restore peace and security in the region.

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