Security forces foil Maoist plot, destroy five IEDs in West Singhbhum

Jamshedpur: In a major breakthrough in the ongoing anti-Naxal offensive, security forces today unearthed a hidden Maoist arms dump and destroyed five powerful IEDs during a joint operation in the dense forests of Satamutu village under Tonto police station in West Singhbhum district

Acting on intelligence inputs about the presence of top CPI (Maoist) leaders and their squads in the Saranda-Kolhan region, a joint team comprising Chaibasa district police, CRPF, Jharkhand Jaguar, and COBRA battalions launched a search operation across the forested areas bordering Goilkera and Tonto blocks. Among the Maoist operatives reportedly operating in the area are notorious leaders Misir Besra, Anmol, Mochu, Anal, Asim Mandal, Ajay Mahato, Sagen Angaria, Ashwin Pintu Lohara, Chandan Lohara, Amit Hansda alias Uptan, Jaikant, and Rapa Munda. These individuals are suspected to be planning subversive activities and ambushes in the region.

The operation, which has been ongoing since 2022 across villages like Kuida, Maradiri, Boypaisang, Katamba, Rajabasa, Tumbahaka and others, intensified today following specific inputs. During the combing operation in the hilly terrain of Satamutu, security personnel discovered a Naxal dump containing explosives, ammunition, and daily use materials. The bomb disposal squad on site safely destroyed five IEDs that were deemed a significant threat to the lives of jawans and civilians. Among the seized items were 2 detonators, 18 gelatin rods, 4-5 kg of ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil), fuse wire, a 5.56 mm round, iron pipe, 50 meters of electric wire, batteries, tiffin boxes, pressure cookers, and steel containers — all materials typically used in the fabrication of explosive devices.

Senior police officials confirmed that the operation is part of a larger strategy to root out Maoist presence from Jharkhand’s forest belt. They emphasized that the movement of senior Naxal leaders in Saranda is a serious security concern, but the preparedness and coordination among forces have prevented major attacks so far. The recovery of such a large cache of weapons and IEDs is seen as a major success for the security establishment and a blow to Maoist capabilities in the region. Anti-Naxal operations will continue in a focused and intensified manner in the coming weeks, with the security forces vowing to track down the remaining operatives.

Senior police officials have reiterated their appeal to Maoist cadres to surrender and join the mainstream, offering rehabilitation benefits under government schemes. However, they also warned that anyone continuing violent activities will be dealt with firmly.

The ongoing anti-Naxal operation is expected to continue in the coming days, with the forces maintaining vigil in forest belts and border villages across the region.