PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, Feb 11: Two villagers were critically injured after an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded in the Tirilposi area of Saranda forest in West Singhbhum district on Tuesday, raising fresh concerns over residual Maoist activity in the region.
According to preliminary reports, the blast occurred when the villagers unknowingly came in contact with an explosive device believed to have been planted by Maoist insurgents.
Both sustained serious injuries and were rushed to a nearby medical facility for treatment.
Area Sealed, Search Operation Underway
Following the explosion, security forces cordoned off the area and launched an intensive search operation to detect any additional explosives.
Police have urged villagers to remain alert and immediately report suspicious objects or movement in forested areas.
Security Push Before March 31 Target
The incident comes amid intensified efforts by security forces to eliminate Left-Wing Extremism from West Singhbhum district.
Senior officials of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Jharkhand Police recently held a high-level review meeting in Chaibasa under Operation Meghaburu.
Sources said the operation aims to dismantle Maoist strongholds in the dense Saranda forest and restore normalcy before the government’s March 31 deadline to declare the district Naxal-free.
The review meeting focused on strengthening intelligence networks, expanding coordinated combing operations and ensuring civilian safety in vulnerable areas.
Sporadic Incidents Continue
Saranda, once considered a major Maoist bastion, has witnessed sustained anti-Naxal operations over the past few years. Several key cadres have either been neutralised or surrendered.
However, sporadic incidents such as IED blasts continue to pose risks to both security forces and local residents.
Officials reiterated that additional deployment and area domination exercises are being carried out and expressed confidence in meeting the target despite occasional setbacks.