Jamshedpur: In a major success for security forces, a large-scale joint anti-Maoist operation led by the West Singhbhum Police, CRPF, and CoBRA units has resulted in the discovery and neutralization of a significant cache of explosives and arms in the dense forest areas of Chaibasa and its adjoining regions. The ongoing operation, which began on March 4, 2025, was launched in response to intelligence inputs regarding the movement and activities of Maoist groups in the region.
A breakthrough came during a special phase of the operation, when forces under the jurisdiction of Jaraikela Police Station recovered and defused five powerful Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted in the forest area near Chibindrajhar village. These IEDs were found in locations with heavy security force movement, indicating a potential plan to target patrolling parties. The explosives—ranging in size from 5 kg to 25 kg—were neutralized on site with the assistance of bomb disposal squads and the support of local intelligence units.
The very next day, on April 15, the operation intensified in the forest regions around Yubiya and Chidikobera villages, also falling under Jaraikela Police Station. In a pre-dawn combing operation, security forces unearthed two more IEDs planted strategically in forest trails. These too were defused on site, averting any potential loss of life or damage.
In addition to the defused explosives, the joint teams discovered a hidden Maoist cache containing a large amount of materials typically used in guerrilla warfare. Among the seized items were one 15 kg IED, two 10 kg IEDs, two 5 kg IEDs, and two 4 kg IEDs. Other recoveries included detonators, two batteries, pressure cooker bombs, circuit components, wires, 18 pipes, and 15 metres of electric cord. These materials were believed to be intended for the preparation of additional explosive devices or booby traps targeting security personnel.
The campaign, initiated under the leadership of senior Maoist commander Felix Soren, who has long been active in areas such as Chaibasa, Goelkera, Manoharpur, Anil, Bano, Kolebira, Sonua, and the adjoining Kolhan belt, has seen consistent and coordinated action from multiple forces. Teams from the Jharkhand Police, district armed forces, and elite battalions such as CoBRA 203 and 209, along with CRPF units 26, 60, 134, 174, 193, and 197, have been deployed to maintain pressure and conduct extensive search operations in vulnerable zones.
The recovered explosives and arms were found to be under the control of Felix Soren’s squad, which is known for its active involvement in several high-profile attacks in the region. The seizure of such a large quantity of explosives and the foiling of potential ambushes is being seen as a major blow to Maoist operations in the Kolhan region.
Authorities have praised the coordinated efforts of the forces involved and confirmed that the anti-Maoist campaign will continue with increased intensity in the coming days. The joint force’s swift and decisive action has not only disrupted insurgent plans but has also significantly enhanced the safety of the local population and security forces alike.
