What Happened to the Jawan Injured in the Maoist IED Blast in Chaibasa, Jharkhand?

Synopsis
In a shocking incident in Jharkhand's Chaibasa, a jawan was injured after stepping on a Maoist-laid IED. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by security forces in their battle against insurgency. With the region's safety at stake, the fight against Maoists continues unabated, showcasing both the risks and the resilience of our security personnel.
Key Takeaways
- Incident involved IED explosion
- Joint operation by CRPF and Jharkhand Jaguar
- Security forces continue anti-Maoist efforts
- Previous similar incidents reported
- Ongoing engagement with Maoist insurgents
Ranchi, May 12 (NationPress) A member of the Jharkhand Police Force was injured on Monday after inadvertently triggering an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) laid by Maoists in the Chotanagra police station vicinity of West Singhbhum district (Chaibasa), as reported by officials.
The injured officer, named Manoj Kumar Damai, was swiftly airlifted to Ranchi for urgent medical care.
This event took place during a collaborative anti-Maoist mission conducted by the CRPF's elite CoBRA battalion alongside the Jharkhand Jaguar unit in the dense forested area of Chotanagra.
Prior intelligence had indicated the presence of a Maoist squad led by Anal, a senior CPI (Maoist) figure with a bounty of Rs 1 crore on his head.
During the mission, Damai accidentally activated an IED. He received initial first aid at the scene before being airlifted to a private medical facility in Ranchi, where he is currently receiving treatment.
Chaibasa Superintendent of Police Ashutosh Shekhar confirmed the incident and stated that the anti-Maoist operation remains active in the region. “Our forces are diligently pursuing Maoist shelters in the area. We will continue our efforts,” he remarked.
This incident marks another occurrence in the area; on April 12, officer Sunil Dhan lost his life due to injuries from a similar IED explosion in the same jurisdiction. Another constable was also injured during that incident.
In March, three security personnel, including an Assistant Commandant of the CoBRA battalion, were hurt in an IED blast in the Jaraikela police station area, also within Chaibasa district.
Despite these attacks, security forces have achieved notable successes in their fight against Maoist insurgents.
In April, they uncovered and destroyed 11 underground bunkers in the Babudera area of Chaibasa, which were reportedly used by high-ranking Maoist leaders.
In February and March, authorities located six Maoist arms caches and confiscated a substantial amount of weaponry.
Security agencies have indicated that notable CPI (Maoist) leaders such as Misir Besra, Anmol, Mochu, Anal, Asim Mandal, Ajay Mahato, Sagen Angaria, and Ashwin remain active in the Saranda and Kolhan regions of Jharkhand with their respective squads.