Six Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans were injured in an IED blast during an encounter between the security personnel and Maoists in Kolhan area under Toto police station limits in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district on Wednesday, officials said.
At least five of the six jawans were airlifted and brought to state Capital Ranchi for better treatment.
“The incident happened when firing happened from both sides during an operation, which is still on. Five jawans were evacuated and have been airlifted to Ranchi. None of them are serious. They have minor splinter injuries but they are being given best medical care,” said AV Homkar, inspector general (operations), Jharkhand police.
The incident comes barely a week after eight Maoists from West Singhbhum surrendered before police in Ranchi on January 4.
Police officials familiar with the matter said the incident occurred when the CRPF jawans were providing security in the peripheral area of an upcoming security camp in Kolhan area.
“The jawans came under attack when a group of Maoists opened fire at them. As the jawans engaged with the Maoists returning fire, a few minutes later there was an IED explosion which injured the jawans,” an officer said.
