A CRPF officer lost his life in an IED explosion during an area domination exercise in Sundargarh district near the Jharkhand border early on Saturday. The deceased, Assistant Sub-Inspector Satyaban Kumar Singh, 34, from Kishinagar, Uttar Pradesh, sustained critical injuries when the explosive device, suspected to have been planted by Maoists, detonated around 6 am at Silikuta near Banko Langalakata in Saranda forest. Singh, who was serving with the CRPF’s 134 Battalion, succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Rourkela.
The operation was initiated after intelligence reports indicated Maoist movement in the area. A joint team comprising CRPF personnel and the Special Operations Group (SOG) was conducting the exercise when the blast occurred. Authorities have registered a case at K Balang police station, and investigations into the attack are underway. Following the tragic incident, DIG (western range) Brijesh Kumar Rai visited the site to assess the situation.
The security situation in the region has been tense since May 27, when Maoists looted nearly five tonnes of explosives from the Banko stone quarry. Since then, security forces have managed to recover around four tonnes of the stolen explosives. However, the presence of landmines continues to pose a significant threat. On May 30, a security personnel was injured in a landmine blast during a joint search operation, and the following day, a villager also sustained injuries in a similar explosion.
Singh’s mortal remains were airlifted to Ranchi, where he was honored with a guard of distinction before being handed over to his grieving family. Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Chief Minister Hemant Soren, and other senior officials laid wreaths on the fallen officer’s body in Ranchi, paying their respects.
Expressing his sorrow over the loss, Governor Gangwar described the incident as deeply distressing. He assured that the state government is taking measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. Chief Minister Hemant Soren echoed similar sentiments, stating that anti-Maoist operations are being conducted across Jharkhand and neighboring states with notable successes. He emphasized that Singh’s sacrifice was heartbreaking and vowed that the government would support his bereaved family. Inspector General Michael Raj affirmed that security forces will continue their efforts to counter extremist activities in the region, ensuring that Maoist influence is curtailed.
This incident highlights the ongoing security challenges in Maoist-affected areas and underscores the persistent risks faced by security personnel engaged in counter-insurgency operations.
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