Timely Recovery of Two IEDs Averts Major Blast in West Singhbhum

A possible major blast in the Saranda forest of West Singhbhum was averted after security personnel recovered two IEDs planted by Naxalites and defused them safely, police said on Friday.

The explosives were found hidden underground along the Koyna river bank near Bahda village, within the limits of Chhotanagra police station. The recovery operation on October 29 was conducted jointly by the 193rd Battalion of the CRPF, Chhotanagra police station in-charge Gautam Kumar, and Jharkhand Police jawans. After identification, the devices were neutralised as per the established security procedure.

According to police, both explosives were buried on the higher portion of a footpath, a route commonly used for the movement of security forces. The intention behind planting them was to cause heavy loss of life and property through explosions during patrols. Police said the discovery in time prevented a serious tragedy.

The spot is located about one and a half to two kilometres from the site of an earlier encounter, which took place a few months ago. In that gunfight, 17 Naxalites, including Anal Da with a one crore reward and Anmol Da with a 50 lakh reward, were killed.

Naxal activity in the region has weakened considerably, but old explosives scattered in the forest continue to endanger villagers and wildlife. Security forces are expected to intensify checks in the area to avoid similar risks.