Chaibasa- A major Maoist plot to target security forces in Jharkhand's West Singhbhum district was foiled on Tuesday, with the recovery of 21 pressure IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) from the Karaikela police station area. The joint operation, conducted by police and security forces, involved the dismantling of a Maoist dump in Serengada village, where 55 gelatin sticks were also discovered.

Acting on intelligence inputs about a Maoist squad in the Podahat area, a coordinated effort involving 14 battalions from Chaibasa Police, CRPF, Cobra, and Jharkhand Jaguar was launched across the region. The operation was led by Chaibasa Superintendent of Police (SP) Ashutosh Shekhar. The IEDs, which ranged in weight from one to two kilograms, were defused by the bomb squad. They could have caused massive destruction if detonated.

This operation follows the recovery of six IEDs from the Tonto police station area in West Singhbhum on January 12. The presence of top CPI Maoist leaders, including Misir Besra, Anmol, Mochu, Anal, Asim Mandal, Ajay Mahato, Sagen Angaria, and Ashwin, in the Kolhan forest area of Jharkhand has prompted intensified operations by Jharkhand Police and central security forces. The Central government aims to eradicate Maoism from the state by March 2026.