A CRPF jawan was injured in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast during an anti-Maoist search operation in the Saranda forest of Jharkhand on Monday, officials said. The explosion occurred while security forces were carrying out a combing operation in the dense forest region near the Odisha–Jharkhand border.
The injured personnel was airlifted to Ranchi for advanced medical treatment soon after the incident.
Blast Occurs During Combing Operation
According to initial reports, the blast took place during a routine search operation conducted by security forces in the Saranda forest, one of the key areas where Maoist activity has been reported in the past.
During the operation, an IED planted by suspected Maoists detonated, leaving one Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan injured. Following the incident, the wounded personnel was evacuated by helicopter and shifted to Ranchi for further medical care.
Anti-Maoist Operations Intensified
The incident comes amid intensified anti-Maoist operations across several affected regions after the March 31 deadline set by authorities to eliminate Maoist presence in the country.
With the surrender deadline now over, security agencies have stepped up combing and search operations, and any Maoist encountered in active operational zones is expected to be neutralised.
Saranda Forest Remains a Focus Area
The Saranda forest, located close to the Sundargarh district border in Odisha, continues to be a sensitive area for security operations.
While Sundargarh district in Odisha has been declared Maoist-free, intelligence inputs suggest that Maoist elements still operate in parts of the Saranda forest on the Jharkhand side, prompting regular joint operations by security forces.
Maoist Presence Significantly Reduced
Sources indicated that earlier around 60 Maoists were believed to be active in the region. However, recent developments have considerably weakened their presence.
- Several Maoists have surrendered to authorities
- Around 15 Maoists have been eliminated in encounters with security forces
As a result, officials believe that only a small number of insurgents remain active in the forest region.
Joint Operations by Security Forces
Security personnel from Jharkhand and Odisha have established a perimeter around the Saranda forest area and are conducting daily combing operations to track down remaining Maoist cadres.
Authorities said the operations will continue until the region is fully cleared of insurgent presence, with security forces maintaining heightened vigilance in the forest belt.
