CRPF Jawan Injured in IED Blast During Anti-Naxal Operation in Jharkhand

In a recent anti-Naxal operation in Jharkhand's Saranda forest, a CRPF jawan was critically injured after stepping on an IED. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by security forces in combating Maoist insurgents, who have increasingly resorted to explosives. Following the blast, security measures have been heightened in the region, with intensified operations aimed at detecting and neutralizing hidden threats. The situation remains tense as officials continue to focus on minimizing casualties while applying pressure on Maoist groups. Read on for more details about this developing story.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 6, 2026, 11:43 IST

Critical Injury in Anti-Naxal Operation

Chaibasa/Ranchi: A jawan from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) suffered serious injuries on Monday after stepping on an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) during an anti-Naxal operation in the dense Saranda forest located in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district, according to officials.

The incident took place while security forces were conducting a search operation aimed at locating Maoist militants hiding in the forest area of Chaibasa. The jawan inadvertently triggered a pressure-activated IED that had been placed along a frequently used patrol route, resulting in a significant explosion.

Following the blast, the injured jawan was promptly evacuated and airlifted to Ranchi for treatment at a specialized medical facility.

Officials confirmed that operations in Saranda are ongoing, with sporadic encounters reported between security personnel and Maoist groups. The insurgents' use of IEDs has become a significant challenge, particularly in densely forested regions where detection is particularly difficult.

In recent months, Maoist factions have escalated their use of explosives, especially after suffering considerable losses. Earlier this year, security forces eliminated 17 Maoists in a significant operation, severely impacting the insurgent network.

Intelligence reports indicate that in response, Maoists have strategically placed numerous IEDs along forest paths and access roads to target security forces.

The Saranda forest area has seen a rise in such incidents recently. Between February and March, at least three major IED explosions occurred, resulting in one civilian fatality and injuries to two members of the elite COBRA Battalion.

On March 1, an Assistant Commandant of the COBRA unit, Ajay Mallick, was critically injured in a similar explosion during a combing operation in the same vicinity.

In light of Monday’s explosion, a heightened alert has been issued across Chaibasa and nearby Naxal-affected regions. Security forces have ramped up area domination efforts, route sanitization drills, and search operations aimed at detecting and neutralizing hidden explosives.

Officials stated that operations will persist with an emphasis on minimizing casualties while maintaining pressure on Maoist groups to dismantle their operational capabilities in the area.