A CRPF Sub-Inspector sustained injuries in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast during an anti-Naxal operation in the Saranda forest of West Singhbhum district, Jharkhand, on March 18, 2025. The incident occurred near Radha Poda village in the Jaraikela police station area.
Details of the Incident
The injured officer, Subodh Kumar, was part of a joint operation conducted by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and local police to counter Naxal activities in the region. The IED, suspected to have been planted by Maoists, detonated as the personnel were navigating the forested terrain. Following the explosion, Kumar was airlifted to Ranchi for medical treatment, where his condition is reported to be stable.
Ongoing Operations
The anti-Naxal operation, which also involved retaliatory firing after Maoists opened fire on the security forces, is still underway. Superintendent of Police Ashutosh Shekhar confirmed that efforts to neutralize the threat in the Saranda forest region are being intensified.
Previous Incidents
This marks the second IED-related incident in West Singhbhum this month. Earlier, on March 5, three security personnel, including an assistant commandant of the CRPF’s CoBRA battalion, were injured in a similar blast near the Baliba forest area.
The Saranda forest, known for its challenging terrain, has been a hotspot for Naxal activities. Security forces have been conducting extensive operations to dismantle Maoist hideouts and recover weapons in the region.
The incident underscores the persistent challenges faced by security personnel in combating Left-wing extremism in Jharkhand. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the region.
