18 explosive devices neutralised near Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum

Jamshedpur: In a significant success for security forces, a joint
operation team on Wednesday recovered and safely destroyed 18 powerful
explosive devices planted by Naxalites in a dense forested area near
Kochang village under Arki police station limits, along the border of
West Singhbhum (Chaibasa) and Khunti districts.

The operation was launched following intelligence inputs received by
the Superintendent of Police, West Singhbhum, on July 8, indicating
that militants of the banned CPI (Maoist) had hidden ammunition and
explosives in the region to target security personnel and obstruct
anti-Naxal campaigns.

Acting on this information, a coordinated search was initiated early
on July 9 by teams comprising Chaibasa Police, Khunti Police,
Jharkhand Jaguar, and the CRPF. During the intensive search in the
hilly terrain, the forces recovered approximately 18 EADs (each
weighing about 3 kilograms) strategically planted to cause maximum
damage.

In the interest of public and operational safety, the recovered
explosives were destroyed on the spot by the bomb disposal squad.

According to officials, top Maoist leaders including Misir Besra,
Anmol, Mochu, Anal, Asim Mandal, Ajay Mahato, Sagen Angaria, Ashwin,
Pintu Lohara, Chandan Lohara, Amit Hansda alias Uptan, Jaikant, Rapa
Munda, and other armed cadres are known to be active in the Saranda
and Kolhan areas. Security agencies believe the group is attempting to
regroup and carry out subversive activities in the region.

In response, the administration has intensified combing operations. A
special joint force combining Chaibasa Police, Cobra units, CRPF, and
Jharkhand Jaguar has been deployed, and continuous patrolling and area
domination exercises are underway to prevent further Naxalite
movements.

Officials confirmed that further action is being taken in this regard,
and efforts will continue to dismantle extremist infrastructure in the
region.