A powerful Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast rocked the forested region of Chotanagra and Jaraikela police station areas of West Singhbhum district on Wednesday morning, injuring three CRPF personnel engaged in anti-Naxal operations.
The explosion, which occurred around 8:40 AM near Kalibagh village, was allegedly triggered by Naxal insurgents aiming to disrupt security operations in the region. This incident marks yet another violent confrontation in the ongoing battle between security forces and left-wing extremists in the region.
The three injured jawans belong to the CRPF 197 Battalion and have been identified as: ASI GJ Sai, V.T. Rao and Keshav Kumar.
Immediate first aid was provided on-site, following which the injured personnel were swiftly airlifted to Ranchi for advanced medical treatment. Hospital authorities have reported that the injured personnel are stable but require continued medical attention.
Following the blast, security forces launched a massive counter-operation to neutralize the insurgents responsible for the attack. A joint operation involving Jharkhand Police and multiple CRPF battalions, including 203 BN, 209 BN, 26 BN, 60 BN, 134 BN, 174 BN, 193 BN, and 197 BN, has been intensified in the affected areas.
Combing operations have been ramped up with security forces sweeping through the dense forests, dismantling Naxal hideouts, and recovering arms and explosives. According to sources, multiple suspected hideouts have been identified, and operations to flush out insurgents are ongoing. Security agencies are also monitoring local communication channels and intercepting potential Naxal activities.
The operation, which began on March 4, has now expanded to cover a wider radius around the Jaraikela police station areas. Security personnel are using drone surveillance and sniffer dog units to detect additional explosive devices, preventing further casualties.
“The forces have been maintaining continuous pressure on insurgents, and this cowardly attack is a desperate attempt to resist our operations. We will not be deterred and will continue our efforts to ensure peace in the region,” stated a senior police official. He further added that intelligence inputs had indicated possible Naxal movements in the area, prompting increased patrolling.
Security forces remain on high alert, with specialized units combing the dense forest areas to eliminate any remaining threats. A stronghold of left-wing extremism for years, the Tori region has seen numerous clashes between security forces and Naxals. Authorities have urged local residents to cooperate with security personnel and report any suspicious activity to ensure a safer environment.
Local villagers have expressed both fear and relief, acknowledging the security forces' efforts but remaining wary of potential retaliatory attacks from insurgents. Government officials have assured that development efforts, including road construction and better connectivity, are being accelerated to counter the influence of Naxals in remote areas.
The anti-Naxal operation remains active, with authorities committed to eliminating the insurgency in Jharkhand. Experts believe that a multi-faceted approach involving both security action and socio-economic development is crucial to completely eradicating the Naxal influence in the region. With the government’s focus on integrating affected communities into mainstream development, hopes are high for a lasting solution to the insurgency problem.
