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In a tragic incident on Tuesday, a 10-year-old tribal girl identified as Siria Herenj lost her life after unknowingly stepping on a pressure-triggered Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in the forested areas of Saranda, West Singhbhum district, Jharkhand.
The fatal blast occurred near Digha village under Jaraikela police limits when the girl had ventured into the forest to collect sial leaves and firewood, a common livelihood activity in the region. The explosive device is suspected to have been planted by Maoist insurgents targeting security forces patrolling the area.
Siria sustained severe injuries as the powerful explosion damaged both her legs. Emergency teams, including police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), rushed to the scene and retrieved her body. Despite efforts, she was declared dead on arrival. The body has been sent to Chakradharpur for post-mortem examination.
Sub-Divisional Police Officer Manoharpur Jaydeep Lakra condemned the incident, calling it a cowardly act against innocent villagers. The authorities have intensified security measures and launched combing operations across the forest region to track down the Maoist elements responsible.
The incident comes amid heightened anti-Maoist operations by the government aiming to eradicate insurgency by March 2026. Local villagers expressed fear and concern about their safety while continuing their daily forest-related activities.
The police have registered a case and assured compensation to the victim’s family under provisions for victims of Maoist violence.
