PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, Nov 8: A CRPF sniffer dog was killed and its handler injured on Saturday after an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by Naxals exploded in the dense Saranda forest region of the West Singhbhum district.
The incident occurred during a routine area-domination and sanitisation operation conducted by CRPF personnel in one of the region’s most insurgency-affected zones.
According to initial reports, the dog squad was leading the team when the explosive device, concealed beneath a forest trail, detonated.
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The highly trained service dog died on the spot, while the dog handler sustained serious injuries and was immediately evacuated for medical treatment. His condition is reported to be stable.
Security forces have intensified combing operations in the blast site and surrounding areas to track down the Maoists responsible for planting the IED.
Saranda, known as Asia’s largest sal forest, has witnessed several such incidents in recent years as Naxal groups continue to use hidden explosives to target patrol teams.
Senior CRPF and district police officials have condemned the attack, noting that the sacrifice of the service dog prevented possible larger casualties among the security personnel.
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They also reiterated their commitment to eliminating Naxal influence from the region.
Further reinforcements have been deployed, and a detailed investigation into the incident is underway.
