Two CRPF Personnel Injured in Anti-Maoist Operation in Saranda Forest
Two Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel sustained injuries during a combing operation against Maoists in the dense Saranda forest of West Singhbhum district, Jharkhand, on Sunday. The injured individuals were promptly airlifted to Ranchi for medical treatment and later transferred to a private hospital in New Delhi, where they are reported to be in stable condition.
Details of the Incident
West Singhbhum Superintendent of Police (SP) Amit Renu provided initial details, stating that the injuries occurred in two separate incidents during the ongoing operation. In the morning, an officer from the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) was injured in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast. Later in the day, a CRPF jawan received a bullet injury from gunfire emanating from within the forest.
Security forces had launched the combing operation based on specific intelligence regarding Maoist movement in the area. The CoBRA officer, identified as Assistant Commandant Ajay Mallick of the 209 CoBRA battalion, suffered a serious injury to his left leg when an IED, allegedly planted by Maoists to target security personnel, detonated. After he was shifted to a camp for initial care, the operation resumed, during which shots were fired at the forces, leading to the injury of the CRPF jawan.
Response and Condition of the Injured
Jharkhand police spokesperson Michael Raj confirmed that both injured personnel were airlifted to Ranchi and subsequently to New Delhi for advanced medical attention. He emphasized that they are now in a stable condition. SP Amit Renu noted that further details, including the identities of the injured and specific information about the operation site, will be disclosed once the operation concludes.
Raj reiterated that anti-Maoist operations are actively underway in the Saranda forest region, highlighting the persistent security challenges in the area. This incident follows a significant operation on January 22, where security forces eliminated 15 ultras, including top Maoist leader Patiram Majhi, also known as Anal da.
Context of Recent Violence
The Saranda forest has been a hotspot for Maoist activity, with several recent incidents underscoring the ongoing conflict:
- February 10: Two villagers, Salai Cheruwa and Jai Singh Cheruwa from Tirilposhi village, were killed when they stepped on an IED under the Jeraikela police station limits while collecting firewood.
- February 21: CoBRA personnel Raut Dinesh and Balwindra Singh were injured in an IED explosion near Chadridera under the Chhotanagara police station limits.
- 2025: In a previous year, four CRPF personnel lost their lives and 12 others were injured in IED blasts, highlighting the persistent threat posed by Maoist insurgents in the region.
The combing operations continue as security forces remain vigilant in their efforts to curb Maoist influence and ensure safety in the tribal-dominated areas of Jharkhand.
