Naxal Violence in Latehar: 8 Vehicles Including Drilling Machines Set Ablaze in Chandwa, Latehar

Latehar (Jharkhand), May 04, 2025: In a fresh wave of violence, suspected Naxalites launched an attack on Saturday night in the Chandwa police station area of Latehar district, causing significant damage to property and sparking fear among locals and authorities alike. The incident occurred near Turisot village, where a mineral survey operation was underway.

Naxal Attack Targets Mineral Survey Site in Latehar

The site targeted by the insurgents belonged to the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI), a public-sector entity involved in geological and mineral exploration. According to police reports, two drilling machines and six other vehicles stationed at the survey site were set on fire by the extremists.

Sources indicate that the CMPDI team was conducting mineral exploration activities when the attack occurred. The perpetrators reportedly arrived in large numbers and swiftly executed the sabotage operation before fleeing the scene. No human casualties have been reported so far, but the destruction of valuable equipment is estimated to result in significant financial losses.

CMPDI Survey Disrupted as Vehicles Burnt by Naxals in Torisot

The incident marks a major disruption in mineral survey operations in Latehar, an area known for its rich natural resources but plagued by ongoing insurgency challenges. Security forces have been deployed to assess the situation and authorities have not ruled out the possibility of a pre-planned act aimed at obstructing developmental work in the region.

Latehar Superintendent of Police (SP) Kumar Gaurav directed immediate action, following which a police team led by Balumath Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) was dispatched to the spot. The team has since begun a thorough investigation into the attack.

Security Forces Investigate Naxal Sabotage in Latehar District

Preliminary assessments suggest that the Naxal outfit may be reacting to increased mining and development activities in tribal-dominated areas. The attack appears to be part of a broader strategy to resist government-backed economic projects by creating a climate of fear.

Police sources confirmed that search operations have been intensified across nearby forested regions and sensitive zones within Latehar and Chandwa block to trace the attackers. Sniffer dogs and drone surveillance are also being considered for enhanced ground coverage.

Naxal Threat in Jharkhand Continues to Undermine Development Projects

Jharkhand remains one of the states with significant Naxal insurgency activity, particularly in districts like Latehar, Gumla, Chatra and Palamu. This attack underscores ongoing risks faced by agencies involved in infrastructure and natural resource extraction projects in the Red Corridor.

Authorities have reiterated their commitment to continue developmental activities despite threats. Speaking anonymously, a senior official stated that “such attacks will not derail progress and law enforcement will take necessary steps to ensure security.”

Police on High Alert Across Chandwa and Latehar After Saturday’s Attack

In the aftermath of the incident, security arrangements have been strengthened at all mining-related project sites across the district. Checkpoints have been set up at key junctions, and vehicular movement is being monitored closely. Intelligence agencies have been tasked with gathering specific inputs to prevent future sabotage.

The Latehar district administration is also reviewing security protocols for mineral exploration teams and considering deploying permanent police outposts in vulnerable zones. Additionally, local villagers are being urged to report suspicious movement in forest areas and maintain vigilance.