Saturday, March 29, 2025
Chakradharpur, August 4, 2025 — In a major act of sabotage, Naxal insurgents triggered three back-to-back IED blasts within 11 hours on Sunday, targeting railway infrastructure under the Chakradharpur division in Jharkhand. The attacks disrupted freight movement and led to the death of a railway employee.
The blasts occurred during a Naxal-declared bandh, strategically executed at different railway sections, damaging tracks and creating panic in the region. The explosion sites fall within an area already marked as Naxal-sensitive.
A railway gangman, Etwa Oraon (58), lost his life while on patrol duty. His colleague, Budhram Munda (50), sustained serious injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Rourkela.
First Blast (6:40 AM) – Took place between Rangeda and Karampada stations. The explosion blew up concrete sleepers and severely damaged the railway track.
Second Blast (10:05 AM) – Occurred between Bimlagarh and Karampada, injuring both Etwa and Budhram who were on patrol duty. Etwa later succumbed to his injuries.
Third Blast (5:00 PM) – Detonated near Karampada, intensifying fears of further attacks in the region.
As a result of the damage, all freight train operations between Rangeda and Karampada have been suspended until further notice. The railway administration has initiated an inquiry into the incidents.
Local leader Shashi Ranjan Mishra criticized railway authorities, alleging they failed to ensure security in a known insurgency-prone zone. “These attacks reflect a grave lapse in preparedness and protection measures,” he said.
Authorities are expected to step up combing operations and surveillance in the affected areas to prevent further disruptions.
