Jharkhand News : Two villagers lost their lives after being critically injured in consecutive IED (Improvised Explosive Device) blasts in the Tirulpasi forest area near Jamshedpur. The victims have been identified as Jai Singh Cherwa (35) and Salai Cherwa (30), both residents of Tirulpasi village under the Jaraikela police station limits.
According to officials, the incident occurred on Tuesday when a group of villagers had entered the forest to collect sal leaves and flowers. Around 2 pm, Jai Singh Cherwa stepped on an IED planted in the forest and was seriously injured. Panic spread among the group, and as they attempted to move out cautiously, a second IED blast occurred around 5 pm, injuring Salai Cherwa.
Injured villagers lay helpless overnight
Due to the dense forest terrain and the threat of more hidden explosives, the injured men remained trapped inside the forest throughout the night. Despite continuous rescue efforts by security forces, both villagers succumbed to their injuries after hours of suffering.
Rescue operation remained unsuccessful
After receiving information, police and security personnel launched a rescue operation on Tuesday evening itself. However, due to the high risk posed by additional IEDs allegedly planted by Maoists, the teams were unable to reach the injured villagers in time.
On Wednesday afternoon, nearly 28 hours later, the bodies were finally recovered with the help of villagers and brought to Tirulpasi village under tight security. Preparations were then made to shift the bodies to Jaraikela police station for post-mortem examination.
Senior officials, including the DSP, reached the village after the recovery of the bodies. Local representatives, including the village head, met the grieving families and assured them of all possible assistance.
Area plagued by repeated IED incidents
Officials said Maoist groups have planted IEDs at several locations in the forest, making routine livelihood activities extremely dangerous for villagers. Over the past few years, multiple civilians—including women and even children—have lost their lives in similar blasts in the West Singhbhum region.
The latest deaths have once again highlighted the persistent threat of hidden explosives in Naxal-affected forest areas and the grave risks faced by villagers who depend on forest produce for survival. Security forces have intensified combing operations in the region to detect and neutralize more IEDs.
