IED blast in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum, CRPF Sub-Inspector injured 

Jamshedpur: In a significant incident highlighting the ongoing threat of Naxal violence, a CRPF sub-inspector was severely injured in an IED blast under the Naxal-infested Chotanagra thana area in West Singhbhum on Thursday morning. The injured officer, Sub-Inspector Jitendra Dani, is a member of the elite 209 battalion of the CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) wing of the CRPF. He was immediately airlifted to Ranchi for advanced medical treatment after receiving initial first aid at a local health center. His condition is currently stable but critical.

The IED blast occurred in the notorious Baliba village, situated on the border of the Jeraikela thana area. This area has long been a hotspot for Naxal activities. The incident took place during an extensive anti-insurgency operation carried out by the CoBRA troopers. The police had received credible intelligence reports indicating that CPI-Maoist rebels were hiding in the dense forests of Chotanagra and Jeraikela since Wednesday.

As the CoBRA jawans were meticulously scanning the forest area, an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated, resulting in severe injuries to Sub-Inspector Dani. His fellow troopers acted swiftly, rescuing him from the blast site and rushing him to a nearby government-run health facility. Following first aid, Dani was airlifted to Ranchi for further medical attention. His swift evacuation underscores the preparedness and coordination among the security forces in dealing with such emergencies.

West Singhbhum SP, Ashutosh Sekhar, confirmed the occurrence of the IED blast and the injury to the CoBRA sub-inspector. SP Sekhar emphasized the ongoing efforts to combat Naxal insurgency in the region and reassured that security operations would continue with increased vigilance.

Baliba village, where the recent blast occurred, holds a grim history of Naxal violence. On April 7, 2004, the village witnessed a brutal ambush by Naxals on a CRPF convoy, resulting in the deaths of 29 CRPF jawans. In the fierce encounter that followed, 12 Naxals were also killed. This historical context adds a layer of poignancy to the current incident, underlining the persistent danger and the high stakes involved in anti-Naxal operations.

The recent intelligence inputs about the presence of CPI-Maoist rebels in the Chotanagra and Jeraikela thana areas prompted the anti-insurgency operation. These operations are critical in disrupting Naxal activities and ensuring the safety of civilians in these regions. The CoBRA battalion, known for its specialized training and effectiveness in jungle warfare, plays a crucial role in these missions.

“ Despite the setback of the IED blast, security forces remain undeterred. The focus is now on neutralizing the remaining Naxal elements and preventing further attacks. The operations are being conducted with heightened caution, employing advanced surveillance and ground intelligence to avert any more casualties,” said an official.