Leaders honor fallen CRPF officer in Jharkhand operations

Ranchi: Leaders in Jharkhand paid their respects to CRPF sub-inspector Sunil Kumar Mandal, who was killed during anti-Maoist operations. Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar and Chief Minister Hemant Soren honored Mandal's memory on Sunday. Mandal, along with head constable Partha Pratim Dey, was injured when an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded in Saranda forest. Mandal died from his injuries after being transported to a hospital in Ranchi. Dey is in stable condition. CM Soren stated that Mandal's sacrifice will not be forgotten and pledged that operations against Maoists will continue. He noted that this is the first casualty among security forces in these efforts this year. Five other personnel have been injured in similar IED blasts during operations in Chaibasa. Authorities say Saranda forest is a base for the largest Maoist group in the state, led by key members. Inspector General Amol Homkar confirmed that local and central police forces are committed to fighting against extremism in the region. He expressed a determination to eliminate left-wing extremism in Jharkhand. In another incident, Army soldier Kishore Bada was honored with military rites after dying while serving in Leh. He was laid to rest in his hometown of Nanesera in Simdega district on the same day.