In a fresh wave of Naxal violence, Maoists triggered an IED blast early Thursday morning, , in the dense forests near Vangram Kulapuburu, under the jurisdiction of Jaraikela police station in Chaibasa. The explosion occurred around 7:10 a.m., targeting security forces involved in an ongoing anti-Naxal operation. Sugumar R of the CoBRA 209 Battalion sustained injuries in the blast. His condition is reported to be stable after being airlifted to Ranchi for advanced medical treatment. The blast is believed to have been set off by top leaders of the banned CPI (Maoist) Naxalite organization, including Misir Besra, Anmol Mochu Anal, Asim Mandal, Chaman, Ajay Mahato, Sagen Angaria, and Ashwin, who are reportedly operating with their squad members in the Saranda and Kolhan forest areas. In response to their presence, a large-scale joint operation involving Chaibasa Police, CoBRA Battalions 209 and 203, Jharkhand Jaguar, and several CRPF battalions (60, 197, 157, 174, 193, 134, and 26) had been initiated. "Maoists continue to pose a serious threat to the peace and security of the area. However, we are committed to bringing stability to the region. Our forces are prepared and will not back down," said a senior district official overseeing the operation. Security forces had launched the joint operation on September 16, 2024, after receiving intelligence reports that the Naxalite leaders, including Misir Besra, Anal, Anmol, Ashwin, Pintu Lohara, Chandan Lohara, and Amit Hansda alias Apatan, were moving through the Saranda-Kolhan forest region with their squads. The operation is focused on the challenging hilly terrains bordering the Chhotanagra, Jaraikela, and Manoharpur police station areas. Despite the IED attack, the security forces responded swiftly. The injured CoBRA Battalion jawan was provided immediate first aid on-site and evacuated by helicopter to Ranchi with assistance from Police Headquarters, Jharkhand, and the CRPF Jharkhand Sector. Chaibasa Superintendent of Police (SP) Ashutosh Shekhar issued a press communique that the injured CoBRA 209 battalion jawan is currently being airlifted to Ranchi for more advanced medical care. The anti-Naxal operation is continuing, with security forces combing through the dense forested region in pursuit of the Maoist leaders. Authorities remain vigilant, emphasizing that the fight against insurgency will continue until peace and stability are restored in the region. "This operation is a crucial step in dismantling the Maoist network that has been operating in the Saranda and Kolhan areas. While incidents like the IED blast show the Maoists desperation, the coordinated response of our security forces sends a strong message that we will not allow them to regain ground," said a security expert familiar with counter-insurgency operations.

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