CRPF officer killed, 3 injured in lightning strike during anti-Maoist operation in Jharkhand

PINAKI MAJUMDAR

Jamshedpur, May 16: A senior officer of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was killed and three others injured when a lightning strike hit a joint anti-Maoist task force in the forested hills of Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district.

The incident occurred on Wednesday evening in the Baliba area, under Chotanagara police station limits, amid a sudden thunderstorm and heavy rainfall.

Second-in-Command M. Probo Singh of the CRPF’s 26th Battalion sustained fatal injuries and, despite best efforts, succumbed while on active duty. He is remembered for his dedication and commitment to service.

Three other personnel—Assistant Commandant Subir Kumar Mandal, Sub-Inspector Suresh Bhagat, and Sub-Inspector Chandlal Hansda—were injured in the strike. All three are reported to be in stable condition and are receiving treatment at SAIL Hospital in Kiriburu and Tata Main Hospital in Noamundi.

The joint operation, which commenced on 4 March, was launched following intelligence reports indicating the presence of several top Maoist leaders—including Misir Besra, Anmol, and Mochu—believed to be active in the Saranda and Kolhan forest regions.

Personnel from the Jharkhand Police, CRPF, COBRA units, and Jharkhand Jaguar have been involved in the operation.

Following the lightning strike, a swift evacuation was coordinated by the CRPF Jharkhand Sector and the Jharkhand Police Headquarters. The injured were airlifted by helicopter to Ranchi for advanced medical care.

The security establishment has mourned the loss of M. Probo Singh, paying tribute to his sacrifice and unwavering service in the ongoing fight against extremism.