Security Forces Clash with Maoists in Dense Saranda Forest
In a significant operation in the dense Saranda forest, a combined team of security forces engaged in a fierce firefight with Maoist cadres on Thursday evening. The encounter, which lasted for nearly an hour in the Kolapuburu village area, resulted in the seizure of a substantial arsenal of weapons and explosives. No injuries were reported among the security personnel during the extended exchange of fire.
Massive Arsenal Recovered After Intense Skirmish
The joint contingent, comprising district police and the 209 CoBRA battalion of the CRPF, was conducting a routine combing operation in the region when the Maoists opened fire. The security forces promptly retaliated. The operation led to the recovery of a major weapons cache, which included:
- Three rifles: two SLRs and one .303 rifle
- Live ammunition for AK-47 and SLR rifles
- 13 gelatine IEDs fitted with detonators and 15 additional detonators
- 20 individual IEDs, each six inches in length
- Radio sets and communication interceptors
- 24 syringes and plastic pipes
- Two laptops
The location of the clash, near the border with Odisha under the Jairaikela police station limits, is a known area of Maoist activity.
Vow to Continue Anti-Naxal Operations
Following the successful operation, West Singhbhum SP Amit Renu issued a strong statement, affirming the security forces' resolve. He declared that the operation against left-wing extremists will continue until they are completely wiped out from the region. This seizure of a large quantity of arms, ammunition, and bomb-making materials is seen as a major setback for the Maoist cadres operating in the strategically important Saranda forest.
