LATEHAR: Thirty IEDs, seized from Budha Pahar in naxal-affected Latehar district, were defused by the bomb disposal squad today, police sources said.
The improvised explosive devices planted in series were seized by the security personnel soon after the suspected CPI (Maoists) set ablaze a tractor in Mounasilli under Palamau Tiger project in Baresaad Police station limit, the sources said.
The naxals have also stopped the construction work of a watch tower being set up by the forest department amidst ongoing anti-naxal operation, they said.
As anticipated by the naxals, the security personnel rushed to the spot on being informed about torching of the tractor and seized the IEDs planted in series, the sources said.
Senior police officials confirmed that the IEDs seized by the security personnel were being defused after panic struck among the villagers following the explosions.
The explosion was so massive that the villagers preferred to stay indoors presuming of a fierce encounter, between the security personnel and naxals.
The security personnel comprised of para-military force, Jharkhand Jaguar, Cobra battalion personnel and district armed police force jawans have surrounded the jungle and set up a camp to apprehend naxals Arvind and Sudhakaran for last few days.