CRPF officer killed, three injured in lightning strike during Anti-Maoist Operation in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum

Jamshedpur: A senior officer of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) lost his life, and three other personnel were injured after a lightning strike struck a joint anti-Maoist task force in the dense, hilly terrain of Baliba, under the Chotanagara police station limits in West Singhbhum district.

The incident occurred on the evening of May 15, when sudden and intense thunderstorms swept across the region, catching the deployed task force off guard during an ongoing operation in the Saranda forest—a long-time Maoist stronghold.

The fallen officer, Second-in-Command M. Probo Singh of the CRPF’s 26 Battalion, was severely injured by the lightning strike. Despite immediate efforts to stabilize his condition, he succumbed to his injuries. Singh was a highly respected officer, known for his commitment and courage in leading several successful operations against left-wing extremism.

Three others—Assistant Commandant Subir Kumar Mandal, Sub-Inspector Suresh Bhagat, and Sub-Inspector Chandlal Hansda—sustained injuries in the same incident. All three were quickly evacuated and are currently reported to be in stable condition.

Following the lightning strike, an urgent rescue operation was initiated with the assistance of Jharkhand Police Headquarters and CRPF Jharkhand Sector. The injured were promptly airlifted by helicopter and shifted to SAIL Hospital in Kiriburu and Tata Main Hospital in Noamundi, before being moved to Ranchi for advanced treatment.

The prompt coordination among various agencies ensured that the lives of the injured personnel were preserved and that they received immediate and appropriate medical care.

The task force was part of a massive joint operation that commenced on March 4, following credible intelligence reports about the movements of top Maoist commanders in the Saranda and Kolhan forest belt. Notorious names such as Misir Besra, Anmol, and Mochu, who are high on the wanted list of security agencies, were believed to be operating in the region.

The operation involves personnel from the Jharkhand Police, elite units like COBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action), Jharkhand Jaguar, and several CRPF battalions, forming a robust multi-agency effort to dismantle Maoist networks entrenched in this rugged terrain.

A senior CRPF official, paying tribute, said, “M. Probo Singh was not just an officer, but a warrior in the truest sense. His sacrifice will not be forgotten, and we remain committed to carrying forward the mission he so bravely led.”

The Saranda forest, once dubbed the “Liberated Zone” by Maoists, remains one of the most challenging zones for anti-Naxal operations due to its dense cover, hostile terrain, and history of ambushes. The presence of senior Maoist leaders in the area has kept security forces on high alert.

Despite the setback, the operation in West Singhbhum is expected to continue with added precautions. Security officials have reiterated their resolve to neutralize extremist elements and restore peace in the tribal belt, even as they pay homage to the martyr who made the ultimate sacrifice in that pursuit.

The government is expected to announce ex-gratia compensation for the family of the deceased officer and provide full medical support to the injured personnel.

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