Two commandos of the elite CoBRA battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force were injured after an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded during an anti-Naxal search operation in the Saranda Forest area of Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district on Saturday.

The incident occurred near Chadri Dera village under Chhota Nagara police station limits when a joint team of district police and CRPF personnel was conducting combing operations against cadres of the Communist Party of India (Maoist). During the operation, security personnel accidentally triggered an IED allegedly planted by Maoists in advance to target forces.

The explosion left two CoBRA jawans injured, with one reported to be in serious condition. Both injured personnel were immediately evacuated from the forest, given initial treatment and later airlifted to Ranchi for advanced medical care.

West Singhbhum Superintendent of Police Amit Renu confirmed the incident and said security forces have intensified search operations in the area following the blast. Officials believe Maoists may have planted multiple explosives in the region after facing recent setbacks in security operations.

Saranda forest, known for its difficult terrain and dense vegetation, has long remained a Maoist stronghold. Authorities have urged local residents to remain alert, avoid suspicious objects and cooperate with security forces as operations continue to restore peace in the region.