• Source:JND
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Jharkhand Naxal Encounter: Five soldiers, including an Inspector of Cobra Battalion-205, were seriously injured in an encounter between security forces and Maoists in the dense Saranda forest of Jharkhand's West Singhbhum district on Wednesday.

The encounter took place in the hilly area of Babudera, Dalidera, and Chadradera, about 2 kilometres from Baliba village on the border of the Chotanagrah and Jhariakela police station areas, where intermittent firing continued for about three hours.

Security forces were conducting a search operation in the area as part of an anti-Maoist operation. They encountered Maoists around 10 am on Wednesday, and the exchange of fire continued until around 2 pm.

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During the encounter, Inspector Satya Prakash was injured in an IED blast, suffering a serious back injury. Jawan Shailesh Kumar Dubey was shot in the neck, Uttam Kumar Senapati in the hand, and Jitendra Rai in the leg.

naxal operation

Another soldier, Prem Kumar, was also injured. Security forces immediately launched a rescue operation following the incident. Four soldiers, including the injured inspector, were airlifted from Baliba village and sent to Ranchi for advanced treatment at around 5.15 pm. While one injured is undergoing treatment locally, the condition of one of the injured is reported to be critical.

Maoists Also Suffer Injuries In Military Operation

According to security forces, the Maoists might have suffered injuries or casualties during the encounter. The military operation was underway. No recoveries have been made so far, so the extent of the Maoist losses cannot be assessed. Search operations in the area have been intensified.

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Superintendent of Police Amit Renu confirmed the encounter and stated that the district police and security forces are conducting a massive operation to eliminate Maoist activities in various areas of Saranda.

Following this incident, security arrangements have been tightened in the area and vigilance has been increased throughout the region. The operation is still ongoing. The injured soldiers have been sent to Ranchi for advanced treatment.
(With Jagran.com Inputs)


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