Maoist Ambush in Jharkhand: CoBRA Inspector Among 5 Hurt

A major anti-insurgency operation in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district turned into a violent clash on Wednesday, resulting in injuries to five security personnel. The encounter took place in the Saranda forest area, specifically between Baliba and Chadradera. The security forces, comprising the CoBRA battalion and the CRPF, were conducting a search operation targeting the top Maoist commander Misir Besra. During the movement, the forces were ambushed by Maoists using IEDs and firearms. Inspector Satya Prakash of the CoBRA 205 battalion was injured by an IED explosion, while four colleagues were hit by bullets. The wounded were evacuated to Ranchi using helicopters from the remote village of Baliba. The area remains cordoned off as the offensive continues.