CRPF Head Constable Killed in Naxal Attack in Chaibasa
Head Constable Mahendra Laskar loses life, two others injured during anti-Maoist operation in Saranda forest
Jharkhand, Oct 11 : A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) head constable was martyred and two colleagues seriously injured after Naxals triggered an improvised explosive device (IED) blast in the Saranda forest of Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district late Friday night.
The deceased has been identified as Head Constable Mahendra Laskar of the CRPF’s 60th Battalion, hailing from Nagaon district in Assam. His body was received in Ranchi, where a wreath laying ceremony was held at the CRPF camp in Dhurwa before being sent for post mortem.
The explosion occurred during an anti-Naxal operation in Manoharpur block under Jarai Kela police station. A joint team of CRPF and district police was advancing through the dense forest when Naxals detonated two IEDs targeting security personnel.
Among the injured are Inspector Kaushal Kumar Mishra and Sub-Inspector Ramchandra Gogi, currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Rourkela, Odisha. Their condition is reported to be serious but stable.
West Singhbhum Superintendent of Police Amit Renu said, “Two blasts were triggered by Naxals during the operation. Reinforcements have been sent and search operations are ongoing in the Saranda forest, a long-time Maoist stronghold.”
Inspector General (Operations) Dr. Michael Raj confirmed that the attack was a retaliatory attempt by Maoists against intensified police and CRPF operations in recent months.
Police data indicate that between March and October this year, three security personnel have been killed and nine injured in IED attacks in the Saranda region, highlighting the persistent threat posed by Maoists despite ongoing operations.
The latest attack coincides with the Naxal “resistance week,” underscoring continued challenges in securing the region, which remains heavily forested and difficult to navigate for security forces.
The authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to dismantling Naxal hideouts, recovering explosives, and ensuring the safety of personnel deployed in high-risk zones.
