Security forces recover IEDs, destroy Maoist bunkers in West Singhbhum

Ranchi: A major anti-Naxal operation is underway in the Saranda and Kolhan forest regions of West Singhbhum district, where senior leaders of the banned CPI (Maoist) outfit—namely Misir Besra, Anmol, Mochhu, Anal, Asim Mandal, Ajay Mahato, Sagen Angaria, Ashwin, Pintu Lohra, Chandan Lohra, Amit Hansda alias Upton, Jaykant, and Rapa Munda—are reportedly on the move along with their armed squad, planning subversive activities.

Acting on credible intelligence, security forces launched a special joint operation on March 4, 2025, in the forested and hilly areas along the border of Chotanagara and Jeraikela police station jurisdictions. The campaign is being conducted by a combined task force comprising personnel from the Chaibasa district police, Jharkhand Jaguar, CoBRA battalions (203 and 209), and CRPF battalions (26, 60, 134, 174, 193, and 197).

On April 5, 2025, during a combing operation in the jungle-covered hills near Babudera village under Jeraikela police station, four improvised explosive devices (IEDs), each weighing around 5 kilograms, were recovered. These explosives were likely planted to target security forces. The recovered IEDs were safely neutralized on-site with the help of a bomb disposal unit.

In addition to the explosives, security forces discovered 16 underground Maoist bunkers capable of sheltering approximately 45 to 50 individuals. All bunkers were successfully demolished by the forces.

The anti-Naxal operation remains active, and security forces continue to patrol the area with vigilance to prevent any further threats.