11 security personnels injured in IED blast in Jharkhand triggered by Maoists

India, (28/5/2019): Eleven security personnel were injured in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast today in Jharkhand’s Saraikella district. Eight COBRA personnel and 3 Jharkhand Police personnel, who were out on a special operation, were targeted by Maoists.

According to reports, the IED is suspected to have been buried under a dirt track. After the blast, the Maoists fired at the security personnel, who then fired in return. However, the Maoists managed to escape from the area, which has now been cordoned off.

DGP DK Pandey on IED explosion in Saraikela, Jharkhand said, “IEDs were installed by Naxals to affect the election process. A joint op by COBRA, Jharkhand Jaguar and Jharkhand Police is being done to clear the area.”

A rescue helicopter was reportedly sent from Ranchi. The injured security personnel were airlifted to Ranchi for treatment. Three jawans were reported to be critical.

The same group was reportedly involved in the attack on police personnel on 21 May in this area, two days after the Lok Sabha election got over. Two SAP personnel were injured in the encounter with Maoists after the latter opened fire on the security personnel when they were patrolling the Naxal-affected areas under the Kharswan Police station.