Assistant Commandant Seriously Hurt, Airlift to Ranchi Planned
Key Points:
- IED blast hits COBRA team during Saranda search operation
- Assistant Commandant critically injured in explosion
- Security forces continue anti-Naxal campaign in region
CHAIBASA – A COBRA battalion Assistant Commandant was critically injured in an IED explosion during an anti-Naxal search operation in Saranda forest of West Singhbhum, with preparations underway to airlift him to Ranchi for advanced treatment.
The explosion occurred in the Saranda forest region of West Singhbhum district. The area has long witnessed naxal activity.
Security personnel were conducting a combing operation against insurgents. Meanwhile, Maoist operatives had allegedly planted improvised explosive devices in the forest.
During the operation, one such IED detonated suddenly. As a result, a COBRA battalion Assistant Commandant sustained serious injuries.
The injured officer was immediately evacuated from the spot. Subsequently, arrangements were initiated to airlift him from Saranda to a hospital in Ranchi.
Officials indicated that advanced medical care would be provided there. However, no other injuries were immediately reported.
COBRA units of the CRPF are engaged in sustained anti-insurgency missions. In contrast, Maoist groups have frequently used pressure IEDs in forested belts.
Notably, a similar IED blast in Saranda had injured personnel earlier. Likewise, a CRPF jawan injury was reported in a previous incident.
Earlier operations also led to the recovery of explosives. For instance, police had exposed an IED unit in West Singhbhum.
Moreover, security forces destroyed four IEDs during another anti-Naxal drive. Similarly, three devices were located in the Saranda forest area.
Despite the blast, the search operation has continued. Security forces have intensified combing in vulnerable pockets.
Saranda, located near Chaibasa, remains a focus area for anti-Naxal strategy. The dense forest terrain has historically provided cover to Maoist cadres.
Officials stated that operations would persist until the area is secured. Meanwhile, reinforcement teams have been deployed in the vicinity.
