Indian soldier critically injured in Jharkhand IED explosion
Ranchi: A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) soldier was critically injured today after he stepped on an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) during an anti-Naxal operation in the dense Saranda forest of Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district.
According to Kashmir Media Service, officials said the incident occurred amid an ongoing search operation being carried out by Indian forces. The soldier reportedly stepped on a pressure-activated IED planted along a forest track, resulting in a powerful explosion.
The soldier sustained severe injuries and was immediately evacuated. He was airlifted to Ranchi and admitted to a specialized medical facility.
Officials said that the operation in Saranda is still going on, with intermittent encounters reported between Indian forces and Maoist groups.
Maoist groups have intensified the use of explosives in recent months, especially after suffering significant losses. In January this year, security forces neutralized 17 Maoists in a major operation in the region, dealing a severe blow to the insurgent network.
