A senior officer of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) tragically lost his life after being struck by lightning during an anti-Maoist operation in the forested Chhotanagra region of West Singhbhum district. The incident occurred on the night of May 15 around 10:30 PM, amidst heavy rainfall while the CRPF unit was engaged in a routine anti-insurgency operation near Keriburu village.
The officer, identified as Second-in-Command Maharabam Prabo Singh of the 26th Battalion, hailed from Manipur and was recognized for his unwavering dedication to service. Along with Singh, Assistant Commandant Subir Kumar Mandal, who was present during the operation, sustained serious injuries and was urgently transported to Tata Main Hospital in Noamundi for immediate medical attention. Additionally, two personnel from the Jharkhand Police were injured in the incident.
The sudden and untimely death of Maharabam Prabo Singh has cast a pall of sorrow over the CRPF and the broader security community. In a heartfelt statement, the force expressed its condolences, saying, “We offer heartfelt tributes to the brave officer who laid down his life in the line of duty under such unfortunate circumstances. The entire force stands in solidarity with the bereaved family during this moment of profound grief.”
West Singhbhum is recognized as one of Jharkhand’s most sensitive Maoist-affected regions, where operations are often impeded by dense forest cover, rugged terrain, and unpredictable weather patterns. The threat posed by natural hazards like lightning has been a recurring issue in the state; just last month, four people lost their lives due to similar incidents in Hazaribag district.
Maharabam Prabo Singh’s death highlights the sacrifices made by personnel hailing from conflict-affected regions like Manipur. As a member of the Meitei community, Singh served far from his home state, which has been embroiled in ethnic tensions that have resulted in over 220 fatalities since 2024 amid clashes between Meitei and Kuki groups.
Despite the challenges, security forces are resolutely committed to dismantling Maoist networks in the area, with plans to bolster their presence through the establishment of new camps in the Saranda forest region. However, this tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the varied and often unpredictable dangers faced by personnel operating in India’s internal conflict zones.
