Forces launch massive search op
In the wake of fierce encounter between the paramilitary forces and Maoists that took place in Chekam jungle in Ghatshila on Wednesday, an intensified search operation for Maoists has begun on Thursday.
In the encounter, a CoBRA jawan, Bikash Sutradhar (24) was killed and a deputy commandant of CRPF Alok Kumar was injured after the ultras opened fire. About 200 rounds were fired during the three-hour-long encounter.
Sutradhar, who was posted in the 69th battalion of CoBRA at West Midnapore was a resident of Bengal. Sources informed that the injured jawan and the CRPF deputy commandant were air-lifted to RIMS in Ranchi, where the jawan was declared brought dead. The deputy commandant who sustained bullet injury is resurrecting.
Senior SP, East Singhbhum, Amol V Homkar said the encounter took place when police and paramilitary forces from Jharkhand and Bengal were conducting a joint operation in Ghatshila jungle bordering Bengal since Wednesday early morning.
“Acting on intelligence reports that a large number of Maoists from Bengal had sneaked into Jharkhand border and were hiding at Chekam hill the security forces carried out the operation around 5.30 am, they were rained with bullets from the Maoists. The ultras took advantage of the hills and attacked the jawans,” Homkar said. The senior SP pointed out that the rebels were about 50 in number and were carrying sophisticated weapons.
Sources informed that in all 12 companies of CRPF and CoBRA jawans have been pressed into a search operation in Ghatshila.
A sudden rise in the Maoist activities has let the forces to intensify the patrolling. Following the incident, the police have launched combing operation in the Naxal-infested areas of Ghatshila sub-division consisting of areas like Dumaria, Musaboni, Chakulia, Bahragora and Ghatshila.
In the last few days anti-insurgency operation in Kolhan has been intensified following intelligence reports that suggest rebels are camping in the pockets. The administration has increased police patrolling on the bordering areas connecting to West Bengal and has also deployed adequate number of paramilitary personnel on areas potential to rebels attack.