IED event in Jharkhand, Lohardaga District area, India on Tue 22nd February 2022

Jharkhand Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in a joint operation, arrested nine Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) cadres, including ‘zonal’, ‘sub-zonal’ and ‘area commanders’ during the ongoing “Operation Double Bull”, in Bulbul Forest and its surrounding areas in Lohardaga District on February 22, reports The Times of India. Among the arrested persons are ‘zonal commander’ Balram Oraon, an accused in 82 cases, ‘sub-zonal commander’ Dashrath Singh Kherwar, ‘area commander’ Markush Nagesia and members Shaileshwar Oraon, Mukesh Korba, Viren Korba, Shailendra Nagesia, Sanjay Nagesia, and Sheela Kherwar. Kherwar and Nagesia are wanted in seven and 10 extremists related cases respectively, while others are accused persons in two cases each. During the operation, the longest in recent years, which is against the Maoist squad led by ‘regional commander’ Ravindra Ganjhu, the Police have exchanged fire with the Maoists on 10 occasions, busted their bunkers and also killed one extremist. Police have recovered four weapons, including an American automatic rifle and a carbine, around 1,700 cartridges, 16 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), codex wire, wireless sets, safety fuse and several electronic items, Rs 3.27 lakh cash and daily use articles like dress and shoes. Inspector General of Police (IGP), operations, and Jharkhand Police spokesperson Amol Homkar said, “Following a tip off that dreaded Maoist Ravindra Ganjhu who carries a reward of Rs 15 lakh [INR 1.5 million] and his squad members have gathered in Bulbul area, the security forces conducted the operation under challenging situations. Even though three personnel have been injured in IED blasts, the forces have kept on chasing the Maoists.” Police said Ganjhu’s squad was planning to indulge in violence in Bauxite mine area and target the forces.