In a tragic incident amid escalating Maoist activities, a woman was killed and two others severely injured when they accidentally triggered an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by Maoists in Jharkhand’s dense Saranda forest.
The blast occurred on Friday morning in the Kolbanga village area of West Singhbhum district, under the jurisdiction of Chaibasa’s Jeraikela Police Station. The victims, local women out collecting sial leaves for livelihood, stepped on the hidden explosive while navigating the Lebaragara jungle.
The deceased, a young woman whose identity is yet to be officially confirmed, died instantly at the scene. The injured, identified as Salini Kandulna (30) and Birsi Ghanwar (35), were rushed to Manoharpur Community Health Centre for treatment. Doctors report their conditions as stable but critical, with possibilities of transfer to a better-equipped facility in Ranchi if needed.
This marks the latest in a series of IED attacks in Saranda, a known Maoist stronghold, where over 10 civilians and security personnel have been killed or injured since October 2025
West Singhbhum Superintendent of Police Amit Renu described the blast as a “sign of desperation” from Maoists facing intensified anti-Naxalite operations by security forces. Joint teams from CRPF’s CoBRA battalion and local police have ramped up searches in the region, recovering several IEDs in recent weeks.
Authorities urge villagers to avoid remote forest areas amid ongoing combing operations. The incident highlights the persistent threat of left-wing extremism in Jharkhand, despite government efforts to curb it. Investigations are underway to trace the perpetrators, with calls for enhanced community vigilance.
