Jamshedpur : In a tragic incident during an ongoing anti-Naxal operation in the dense forests and hilly terrains of the Saranda/Kolhan region, Second-in-Command (2IC) of CRPF 26 Battalion, M. Probo Singh, made the supreme sacrifice after being struck by lightning.
The incident occurred around 5:30 pm last evening, near Baliba under Chotanagara police station in West Singhbhum district, amid sudden thunderstorm and heavy rain.
Along with 2IC M. Probo Singh, Assistant Commandant Subir Kumar Mandal, Sub-Inspector Suresh Bhagat, and Sub-Inspector Chandlal Hansda sustained serious injuries.
They were immediately given medical attention and are currently stable. The injured personnel are undergoing treatment at Sail Hospital, Kiriburu, and Tata Main Hospital, Noamundi.
Based on credible intelligence regarding the movement of top leaders of the banned Maoist organization CPI (Maoist)—including Misir Besra, Anmol, Mochu, Anal, Asim Mandal, Ajay Mahato, Sagen Angaria, Ashwin, Pintu Lohra, Chandan Lohra, Amit Hansda alias Upton, Jaykant, and Rapa Munda—joint forces launched a special operation on March 4, 2025, across the bordering jungle and hilly areas of Chotanagara and Jeraikela police stations.
The joint task force includes personnel from Chaibasa Police, COBRA units (203 BN & 209 BN), Jharkhand Jaguar, and several CRPF battalions (26 BN, 60 BN, 134 BN, 174 BN, 193 BN, and 197 BN).
Following the lightning strike, swift action was taken with the assistance of Jharkhand Police Headquarters and CRPF Jharkhand Sector, Ranchi, to airlift the injured officers via helicopter for advanced medical care in Ranchi.
The Jharkhand Police and all participating forces paid tribute to the late 2IC M. Probo Singh for his unwavering dedication and ultimate sacrifice.
