A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Sub-Inspector lost his life after sustaining critical injuries in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast triggered by Maoists in the dense forests of Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district on Saturday.
The explosion, which also left another soldier injured, occurred in the Marangpora forest area under the jurisdiction of Chotanagra police station during an anti-Naxal operation in the afternoon, between 2:30 pm and 2:45 pm.
The attack targeted security personnel engaged in a search operation aimed at curbing Maoist insurgency in the region. The injured soldiers were quickly airlifted to Ranchi for urgent medical attention at Raj Hospital.
Despite doctors’ efforts, Sub-Inspector Sunil Kumar Mandal of the CRPF’s 193rd Battalion succumbed to his injuries during treatment. Head Constable Parth Pratim Day, who also sustained injuries in the explosion, continues to receive medical care.
Authorities have attributed the blast to Maoist rebels who deliberately planted the IED to ambush the security forces. The ongoing anti-Naxal operations in the area, conducted jointly by CRPF battalions and district and state police forces, are part of a broader strategy to neutralize insurgent activities, particularly in high-risk zones such as Tonto and the Saranda forest border.
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In response to the attack, security forces launched an extensive combing operation to locate and neutralize any remaining threats in the region. Additional reinforcements have been deployed to secure the area and prevent further assaults by Maoist elements. Senior officials from the Jharkhand police and CRPF are closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of the personnel involved in the operation.
Despite intensified security measures, Maoist groups continue to employ guerrilla tactics, including planting explosives, to target security forces operating in their strongholds.
The authorities have reiterated their commitment to counter-insurgency efforts and restoring peace in the affected regions. The anti-Naxal campaign remains active, with heightened vigilance and sustained operations aimed at dismantling the insurgent network.
Also Read: CRPF sub-inspector injured in IED blast in Jharkhand
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