A 10-year-old girl was killed when an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by Naxalites exploded in the dense Saranda Forest of West Singhbhum district in Jharkhand on Tuesday.
The victim, identified as Siriya Herenge, daughter of Jai Masi Herenge from Digha village, had gone to the forest around 9 a.m. to collect sal leaves, a routine source of livelihood for locals.
Unaware of the hidden danger, she accidentally stepped on a pressure-activated IED buried beneath the forest floor. The blast killed her instantly, mutilating her lower limbs.
As word of the explosion spread, panic swept through nearby villages. A police team from Jaraikela police station, accompanied by bomb disposal experts, rushed to the site but faced difficulty navigating the thick forest terrain amid fears of additional explosives. Once the area was secured, the girl’s body was recovered and sent for post-mortem examination.
West Singhbhum Superintendent of Police Amit Renu confirmed the incident and condemned the attack, calling it a “cowardly and inhuman act” by Naxalites.
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“Naxalites plant IEDs to target security personnel, but this time their ruthless tactics have claimed the life of a child who had no link to any conflict. This tragedy reflects the sheer brutality of their actions,” he said.
In the aftermath, security forces have intensified combing and search operations across the Saranda region to detect any remaining explosives and trace those responsible. The SP said that the area is under heightened surveillance to prevent further casualties.
The explosion has triggered anger and grief among residents of Digha and adjoining villages. Locals said they live under constant fear as Naxalites continue to endanger civilians with their explosive traps.
“These IEDs are not only meant for the police but are killing innocent people. We want the government to take strong measures to ensure our safety,” said a villager.
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