Rourkela, Aug 5: A series of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blasts on railway tracks near the Odisha-Jharkhand border has reignited concerns over Maoist activity in the region.

The explosions, suspected to be the work of Maoist insurgents, occurred between Karampada (Jharkhand) and Renjda (Odisha) under the Bimlagarh section, claiming the life of railway employee Etawa Oram and injuring another, Budharam Munda.

The blasts coincided with the conclusion of the Maoists’ annual “Saheed Saptah” (Martyrs’ Week), observed from July 28 to August 3. Authorities believe the attacks were a symbolic show of strength by the outlawed CPI (Maoist) group.

In response, Additional Director General (ADG) of Anti-Naxal Operations Sanjeeb Panda conducted a two-day review in Rourkela and Renjda. He confirmed that Maoist activities, dormant since 2018, have surged in recent months.

“We’ve prepared a blueprint to counter the threat. More Special Operations Group (SOG) and District Voluntary Force (DVF) personnel will be deployed. Additional camps will be set up, and intelligence networks will be strengthened,” Panda stated.

The Odisha Police, in coordination with Jharkhand Police and CRPF units, has launched joint combing operations across the Saranda forest zone.

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