Jharkhand News: CRPF officer killed, three injured in lightning strike during anti-Naxal op

PINAKI MAJUMDAR

Jamshedpur, May 16: A senior officer of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) lost his life, and three others were injured after a lightning strike hit a joint anti-Maoist task force operating in the forested hills of Jharkhand’s c district.

The incident took place in the Baliba area under the Chotanagara police station area last evening, amid sudden heavy rainfall and thunderstorm activity.

Second-in-Command M. Probo Singh of the CRPF 26 Battalion sustained fatal injuries in the incident. Despite efforts to save him, he succumbed while fulfilling his duty.

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Injured Personnel Stable, Receiving Treatment

Three other personnel—Assistant Commandant Subir Kumar Mandal, Sub-Inspector Suresh Bhagat, and Sub-Inspector Chandlal Hansda—suffered injuries and are currently in stable condition. They are receiving treatment at SAIL Hospital, Kiriburu, and Tata Main Hospital, Noamundi.

Following the lightning strike, a swift evacuation effort was carried out with the support of Jharkhand Police Headquarters and CRPF Jharkhand Sector. The injured were airlifted by helicopter for advanced medical care in Ranchi.

Joint Operation Targeting Top Maoists

The joint operation, launched on March 4, was initiated based on intelligence inputs regarding the presence of top Maoist leaders—including Misir Besra, Anmol, Mochu, and others—suspected to be active in the Saranda and Kolhan forest region.