A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan was killed on Saturday, June 14, 2025, in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast during an anti-Naxal operation near the Jharkhand-Odisha border. The incident occurred in the dense Saranda forest, a known Maoist stronghold, underscoring the persistent threat posed by Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in the region.
The deceased jawan, identified as Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Satyawan Kumar Singh, belonged to the 134th Battalion of the CRPF. He was part of a joint search and combing operation conducted by the CRPF, Odisha Police's Special Operations Group (SOG), and Jharkhand Police. The team was operating in the K Balang area, near Rourkela in Odisha's Sundergarh district, close to the border with Jharkhand. Their mission was to locate and secure explosives that had been stolen by Maoists from a stone quarry in Sundergarh on May 27. Reports indicate that approximately five tons of explosives were looted, and while a significant portion has been recovered, the search for the remaining materials continues.
According to officials, the IED was triggered by pressure, indicating it was likely planted to target security forces operating in the area. ASI Singh sustained critical injuries to his left leg in the explosion, which took place around 6 am. He was immediately evacuated to a hospital in Rourkela, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The incident has prompted a widespread response from authorities. Combing operations in the affected area have been intensified, with additional reinforcements deployed to track down the perpetrators and prevent further attacks. Security measures have been heightened, including increased drone surveillance, the use of mine-protected vehicles, and sniffer dogs to detect explosive devices. The region has been placed on high alert, with security forces closely monitoring the movement of suspected Naxal elements.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed his condolences for the loss of ASI Singh. In a statement, he acknowledged the jawan's sacrifice and praised his courage and service to the nation. Tributes have also poured in from other officials, recognizing the dedication and bravery of the security forces operating in the challenging terrain. A wreath-laying ceremony was held at the CRPF's 133 battalion headquarters in Ranchi.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by security forces in their efforts to combat Naxalism in the region. The Saranda forest, spanning the Odisha-Jharkhand border, has been a hotbed of Maoist activity for many years. The dense forest cover and hilly terrain provide ideal conditions for insurgents to operate, making it difficult for security forces to conduct effective operations. The use of IEDs by Maoists poses a significant threat to security personnel, requiring constant vigilance and specialized training to mitigate the risk. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has intensified its counter-insurgency operations against Maoist insurgents in the Red-belt corridor. Security forces have been targeting hideouts, intercepting movement routes, and working to dismantle logistical support networks used by Maoist cadres.
