RANCHI: Countless IEDs (improvised explosive devices), planted by Maoists to check the advance of security forces into the hinterlands of Jharkhand to uncover Maoist hideouts, has been posing significant challenges to ongoing anti-Maoist operations in the Saranda jungles of Chaibasa.
Since November 2022, as many as six security personnel have lost their lives while 20 others have been critically injured. Besides that, 22 civilians were killed and about a dozen others left injured in IED blasts triggered by Maoists in Chaibasa forests.
In March this year alone, three IED blasts took place in Saranda jungles; three jawans were injured on March 5, one was injured on March 16, while a CRPF sub-inspector Sunil Mandal was martyred and a CRPF head constable was injured in an IED explosion on March 22.
Notably, Maoists are now restricted only to Saranda jungles in Jharkhand as they have been wiped out from other remote pockets of the state. According to an estimate, around 85 - 90 Maoists are purportedly hiding in Saranda jungles, where they have apparentplanted thousands of IEDs, which has become a challenge for security forces.
According to police sources, on an average, more than 300 IEDs have been recovered every year since November 2022; with a maximum weight of 50 kg. In 2023, 55 IEDs, planted in a series, were recovered.
In August 2023, a Maoist hideout was busted by security forces from where around 500 kg of explosives, along with 60-65 IEDs, were recovered.
“IEDs have become a challenge for the security forces as its components are easily available in the market and could be prepared within hours by an expert. Therefore, it has definitely been posing a significant risk to security operations against the Maoist cadre hiding in deep forests,” said SP Ashutosh Shekhar.
Forces have to proceed cautiously to avoid any untoward situation, he added. According to the officer, operations need to be halted or postponed in cases of explosion or casualty and has to be re-planned with changed routes or strategies. Despite IEDs dotting the entire forest stretch, forces are advancing slowly into the region with full determination and have established several temporary security camps in the core areas, he said.
Notably, Maoists have reportedly distributed pamphlets in villages adjacent to forests, warning villagers not to enter forest limits as they may step on an IED.
Shock & Awe
Since November 2022, 6 security personnel killed, over 20 critically wounded in IED blasts
Around 22 civilians lost their lives, dozen others injured, in Maoist offensive in Chaibasa
An average 300 IEDs are recovered every year; with a maximum weight of 50 kg.
August 2023: Forces recovered 500 kg explosives and 60-65 IEDs
3 blasts shook Saranda in Mar ’25
March 5: 3 jawans injured
March 16: 1 injured in IED explosion
March 22: CRPF sub-inspector martyred, head constable injured