Four abducted officials released
In one of the most concerted attacks by Maoists in Dolkattha in Giridih’s Pirtand area, one Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan was killed and as many as 15 jawans were injured in a serial landmine blast.
The incident happened on Monday when a joint team of district police and CRPF was on a mission to secure release of four Government officials from the clutches of the banned outfit.
“One CRPF jawan has died in the attack that was carried out during search operations. All hostages have been released,” said IG (Provision) Anurag Gupta who also happens to be Jharkhand Police’s spokesperson.
According to sources, two helicopters were rushed to the spot to carry injured jawans to Ranchi for treatment. The injured jawans have reportedly been identified as Mangal Singh, Sushil Kumar, Santosh Kumar, Ghuro Ram, Balbir Tirkey and Anand Ghosh.
On Monday morning, the joint team of police and CRPF ventured into the forest of Dholkattha to nab the group of the Maoists that was behind abduction of four PMRDF (Prime Minister Rural Development Fund) representatives when they stumbled upon landmines placed at around seven to eight spots in the dense forest. The search operation was started on Sunday.
“There were around 21 to 22 landmines even more placed in the area,” said SP Giridih Kranti Kumar Gadhideshi.
Incidentally, at 4.30 in the evening of January 25, around 10 to 12 members of the outfit donning commando dress stormed Tuieo village in Giridih district and kidnapped four government officials, who were organising a camp called “Kaam Mango Abhiyan” under MNREGA.
While escaping into the forests, the Maoists took the officials who were identified as Sai Vardhan Vamashi (resident of Andhra Pradesh), Maqsud Ansari (Panchayat Sevak), Shambhu Panday (Rojgar Sevak) and Chanderdeo (Jan Sevak) from a site of the official camp near Nokania village. Rajendra Yadav a driver who was present at the camp was also taken along with four but he was later released at two kilometers away from the place of kidnapping.
DGP Rajeev Kumar, DIG Suman Gupta, IG (Operations) Murari lal Meena were present in the area to secure the release of hostages.