Security forces in Chhattisgarh made significant progress in their anti-Maoist efforts by discovering and safely dismantling a five-kilogram pressure cooker Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in the dense forest of Hidpal village. This successful operation averted a potential tragedy involving security personnel and local civilians. Acting on specific intelligence, a joint team including District Police, the ‘Young Platoon,’ and the Bomb Disposal Squad of the 195th Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force conducted a thorough search operation in the hilly and forested areas.
The operation, led by Second-in-Command Vikrant Verma and Assistant Commandant Sanjeev Kumar Yadav, commenced at 5 a.m. The teams navigated carefully through challenging terrain, focusing on areas susceptible to Naxalite presence and hidden explosives. During the search at 8:20 a.m., security personnel identified a suspicious object in the forest, prompting them to cordon off the area and seek assistance from the Bomb Disposal Squad.
Upon examination, the object was confirmed to be a pressure cooker IED planted by Maoists to target security forces and instill fear among locals. With precision and adherence to safety protocols, the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad neutralized the explosive device without incident. This swift action by the security forces prevented a potentially catastrophic attack, ensuring the safety of all involved.
Additional search operations were carried out in nearby sensitive areas to secure the region and eliminate any other potential threats. The operation concluded successfully by 10:55 a.m., with all personnel returning unharmed to their base camps. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported during the operation.
