CRPF CoBRA jawan injured in Maoist IED blast during operation in Jharkhand

A CRPF CoBRA battalion jawan was injured after an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by CPI (Maoists) exploded during an anti-Maoist operation in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district on Monday, officials said.

The blast occurred in the dense Saranda forest area under the Chotanagra police station limits , where security forces were carrying out a joint search operation against Maoist cadres . According to Superintendent of Police Amit Renu , the forces were conducting combing operations in the forest when the hidden explosive device went off during the operation.

The explosion injured CoBRA jawan Manoj Kumar , who suffered minor injuries in the incident. He was immediately provided medical attention and officials said his condition is stable .

The Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) is an elite unit of the C entral Reserve Police Force (CRPF) specially trained to deal with left-wing extremism and guerrilla warfare , often operating in difficult terrains such as dense forests and remote Maoist strongholds.

Officials said the ongoing operation is part of a broader effort to flush out Maoist groups active in the Saranda forest region . Security forces are reportedly targeting a Maoist squad believed to be led by senior Maoist leader Misir Besra , who carries a reward of ₹1 crore on his head .

Following the explosion, security personnel intensified combing operations in the area to track down the remaining Maoist cadres. Authorities said such operations will continue as part of the government's larger push to make West Singhbhum district free from Naxal activity.