Bhubaneswar. A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan, critically injured in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast during an anti-Maoist operation in Odisha’s Sundargarh district on the morning of June 14, has succumbed to his injuries.
The deceased, Satyaban Singh (34), was a member of the CRPF’s 134 Battalion and hailed from Uttar Pradesh. He sustained severe injuries when an IED, suspected to have been planted by Maoist insurgents, detonated during a combing operation in the forested Kuari hill area under the K Balang Police Station limits. Singh was immediately evacuated to a private hospital in Rourkela, where he later passed away during treatment.
The blast occurred amid intensified search operations launched by security forces following a major incident three weeks ago, when Maoists looted nearly five tonnes of explosive materials from the Banko stone quarry. So far, around four tonnes of the stolen explosives have been recovered. Authorities believe the latest explosion may have involved remnants of the looted stockpile or was part of a deliberate trap set by the Maoists to obstruct ongoing operations.
Senior officials from the CRPF and Sundargarh police arrived at the incident site to oversee the situation. Additional forces, including bomb disposal squads and sniffer dog units, have been deployed to secure the area and detect further explosive devices.
Security has been tightened in surrounding villages and forested zones, with authorities urging local residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. A few days earlier, Maoists had allegedly hijacked a truck carrying explosives in the same region, further escalating concerns.
This incident underscores the persistent threat posed by Maoist groups in mineral-rich regions like Sundargarh, highlighting the risks faced by security personnel engaged in counter-insurgency efforts.
Odisha CM Pays Tribute
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday expressed deep grief over the death of CRPF Assistant Sub-Inspector Satyaban Singh, who was martyred in an IED blast during a combing operation along the Odisha-Jharkhand border.
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In a heartfelt message, CM Majhi said, “I am deeply saddened to learn about the valiant sacrifice of CRPF ASI Satyaban Singh during an anti-Maoist operation near the Odisha-Jharkhand border. He upheld the highest ideals of bravery and service by laying down his life in the line of duty while securing the nation.”
The Chief Minister offered prayers for the eternal peace of the martyr’s soul and extended his condolences to the bereaved family.
