CRPF Deputy Commandant injured in encounter with Naxals in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum

Jamshedpur, July 12: In a fierce encounter with Naxals, CRPF Deputy Commandant Deepak Kumar Tiwari sustained a bullet injury to his elbow. The incident took place in a forest stretch under the Goelkera police station area in West Singhbhum area, approximately 120 km away from here, on Wednesday morning. Tiwari was immediately airlifted to a hospital in Ranchi for medical treatment.

The encounter unfolded around 11:30 am at a jungle known as Panchalataburu, located deep within the Naxal-infested Goelkera police station area. The police and paramilitary forces had launched a search operation, cordoning off the forest stretch. The operation was based on credible intelligence that a squad of Naxals, potentially including some top rebel leaders, was present at Panchalataburu. As the security forces commenced their search, the Naxals opened fire, targeting the jawans. CRPF Deputy Commandant Tiwari, leading the troops, came under fire and sustained an injury.

In the retaliatory exchange of fire, it is suspected that several Naxals were also injured. The anti-insurgency operation at Panchalataburu is currently ongoing.

In a press communique, Superintendent of Police (SP) for West Singhbhum, Ashutosh Shekhar, confirmed that the injured CRPF deputy commandant has been airlifted to a hospital in Ranchi for treatment. He further stated that reinforcements are being dispatched to Panchalataburu.

It is noteworthy that a significant number of CPI-Maoist rebels, including top Naxal leaders such as Misir Besra and Anal, have infiltrated the dense forest cover in Kolhan and adjoining Porahat forest divisions of West Singhbhum since the beginning of January this year.

The Naxals have planted an undisclosed number of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) throughout the dense forest cover. The police initiated anti-insurgency operations in the troubled forest area on January 11, gradually clearing the region of the IEDs. However, during these operations, around 18 paramilitary jawans have been injured so far, mostly due to IED explosions.

Tragically, a dozen innocent villagers have lost their lives in the twin forest divisions, falling victim to the nefarious plans of the Naxals, who seek to establish a stronghold in the forest after being driven out from Saranda forest.

Authorities remain committed to maintaining peace and security in the region, intensifying efforts to neutralize the Naxal presence and protect innocent civilians and security personnel from harm.

West Singhbhum, a region plagued by Naxal violence for years, has witnessed a surge in Naxal activities in recent months. The insurgents have been exploiting the dense forests and difficult terrain to launch attacks on security forces and carry out subversive activities.

Authorities remain steadfast in their commitment to maintaining peace and security in West Singhbhum. They have vowed to intensify their efforts to eliminate the Naxal menace and restore peace and normalcy in the affected areas.

As investigations continue into the encounter, security agencies are working to gather more intelligence and assess the impact of the operation. Measures are also being taken to bolster the security apparatus and enhance coordination among different security agencies to effectively combat the Naxal insurgency in West Singhbhum.