Naxal attack claims CRPF jawan’s life in West Singhbhum, inspector injured  

Chaibasa, Sept 28:: In a tragic incident that highlights the ongoing security challenges in Naxal-affected regions, Naxalites launched an attack on security forces in the forested hills near Sarjo Maburu village, located in the highly Naxal-affected Tonto police station area of West Singhbhum district. The attack involved the shooting of police personnel and the detonation of an improvised explosive device (IED). Regrettably, one CRPF inspector lost his life in the incident, and several others sustained serious injuries.

Two CRPF personnel, including an inspector ranked officer, were injured in IED blasts which took place during an anti-insurgency operation under the Tonto Thana area in West Singhbhum on Thursday afternoon.

The victims who were of the CRPF’s 209 CoBRA battalion came in the range of the IED explosions as they were busy in the operation at a forest stretch between Tumbahaka and Sarjamburu villages in the Kolhan forest division.

Both the injured identified as Bhupendra Kumar (inspector) and Rajesh Kumar were airlifted to a hospital in Ranchi soon after the blast occurred. Rajesh Kumar succumbed to the injuries.

On Thursday, Naxal insurgents ambushed a contingent of security forces in the dense forests near Sarjo Maburu village. The attack consisted of both gunfire and an IED explosion. Tragically, the IED blast resulted in the unfortunate demise of a brave CRPF personnel, who was identified as a member of the Li-209 battalion. Additionally, several security personnel sustained injuries in the attack, with four to five jawans reportedly in critical condition.

According to available information, the security forces had launched an operation against Naxal insurgents in the Tumbahaka (Tumba Haka) and Sarjo Maburu areas of the Tonto police station. The operation is still underway, underscoring the persistent threat posed by Naxalite groups in the region.

Following the attack, efforts were made to provide immediate medical assistance to the injured security personnel. Airlifting arrangements were made to transport the seriously wounded jawans to Ranchi for urgent medical treatment.

The unfortunate loss of a brave CRPF jawan in this Naxal attack serves as a stark reminder of the challenging security conditions that persist in Naxal-affected areas. The incident underscores the sacrifices made by security personnel as they work tirelessly to maintain peace and security in these regions. The injured soldiers, fighting valiantly against all odds, reflect the indomitable spirit of those serving on the frontlines in the fight against Naxal insurgency.

According to a press statement issued by the West Singhbhum police, the blast took place at about 12.15 pm while the jawans were getting three IEDs detonated that were recovered from a bush.

According to the statement, before falling victim to the explosion, the CRPF jawans had already destroyed two IEDs and 31 Spike holes dug up by the Naxals targeting the security forces.

The CRPF have recovered about 250 spikes and iron rods from the sites where the Naxals had made the arrangements to inflict injury to the security force jawans.