One woman killed and two injured due to Moist-linked IED Blast in West Singbhum forest

Deep inside the dense Saranda forest of Jharkhand's West Singhbhum district, tragedy struck again when a powerful IED planted by Maoists exploded in Kolbhanga area in Saranda forest under Jeraikela police station area. A young woman died instantly, while two other women suffered severe injuries and are fighting for their lives in hospital. The three villagers were walking through the forest, possibly collecting firewood or forest produce, when they accidentally stepped on the hidden bomb which turns out to be a deadly explosion.

West Singhbhum SP Amit Renu confirmed the blast and said anti-landmine teams have rushed to the spot to clear the area. Saranda, Asia’s densest sal forest, has long been a Maoist stronghold, and such IED attacks remain a constant danger for locals despite heavy security operations. Villagers say they live in fear every time they enter the jungle for daily needs because Maoists plant these bombs on small paths to target police patrols.

Security forces have launched a combing operation to track the Maoist squad behind the blast. Doctors say the two injured women have multiple wounds and are in critical condition. This fresh attack is a grim reminder that even after years of operations, the Maoist threat in the region continues to claim innocent lives.