Woman killed, two others injured in IED blast in Saranda forest along Jharkhand-Odisha border

Tension escalated along the Odisha–Jharkhand border on Friday evening after an IED explosion in the Saranda forest claimed the life of a woman and left two others critically injured. The incident took place near Kuivhanga village, located deep inside the Saranda forest region, known for repeated Maoist activities.

According to preliminary reports, Maoists had planted the improvised explosive device targeting security forces conducting anti-Naxal operations in the area. However, the device was accidentally triggered when a local woman stepped on it while collecting firewood inside the forest.

The explosion was powerful, killing the woman on the spot and severely injuring two other women who were accompanying her. Villagers rushed them to the Manoharpur hospital, and their condition is reported to be critical.

Security forces immediately cordoned off the area and launched an intensive search operation to trace the Maoist group responsible for laying the explosive trap. Additional reinforcement has been deployed, and combing operations are underway to secure the region and prevent further incidents.

Sources said the Maoists are believed to have planted IEDs at several other locations in the forest.

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The tragic incident has sparked fear and anger among locals, who say they have repeatedly demanded safer access to the forest, but little has changed due to persistent Naxal influence. Authorities are yet to officially confirm the identity of the deceased and ensure adequate support for the affected families.