Bihar: Security forces foil Naxal bid in Gaya; over 4 kg IED defused

Patna, Aug 21 (IANS) Security forces averted a potential major tragedy in Gaya district on Friday after recovering and safely defusing a powerful improvised explosive device (IED) in the Lutua police station area.

Acting on intelligence inputs about an explosive allegedly planted in the Singhwa area, a joint team of the CRPF’s D/215 Battalion and local police launched a search operation at around 5 a.m.

Commandant Vinod Kumar Mohril directed the operation, with personnel moving from Camp Nagobar through Gulriyatri towards Singhwa.

During the search, security personnel detected a signal on a metal detector and immediately secured the area. After carefully examining the location, they discovered a steel container wrapped in black polythene buried underground.

The container was found to contain an IED weighing approximately 4–5 kg, reportedly fitted with a command‑detonation mechanism. The CRPF’s Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) was subsequently called to the site and safely neutralised the explosive.

Security forces then carried out an additional search of the surrounding area to ensure that no other explosives had been planted nearby.

Officials suspect that unidentified Naxal elements may have planted the explosive with the intention of targeting security forces or police personnel and their vehicles during patrol operations. However, authorities have not yet identified those responsible.

Company Commander Inspector Gaurav Kumar led the operation. Security forces have intensified patrolling and surveillance in the area after the recovery, while further searches continue.

Gaya and adjoining districts like Aurangabad, Nawada, Jamui, Lakhisarai, Rohtas and Kaimur are known as Naxal‑affected areas in Bihar.

Earlier on Thursday, the Bihar Police discovered weapons abandoned by Naxalites on Langurahi Hill, located within the jurisdiction of the Anjan police station in the Madanpur block of Aurangabad, an area historically heavily affected by Naxal activity.

Aurangabad Superintendent of Police Upendranath Verma stated on Thursday afternoon that the police are continuing to conduct anti‑Naxal operations, despite the eradication of the Naxalite movement.

–IANS

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