Saraikela encounter: 1 CoBRA Commando, policeman killed; Chopper sent to airlift injured

One commando of the elite CoBRA force and a policeman were killed in an encounter with the Maoists in Jharkhand's Saraikela region on Thursday. The policeman was initially injured, but it was later reported that he succumbed to his injuries. Two other security personnel were also injured, as per latest reports.

The joint operation between 209 CoBRA battalion and Jharkhand Police were on a Search And Destroy Operation (SADO) when the gunbattle broke out. As per last reports, heavy exchange of fire in still underway. The gunbattle began around 7 am in the Dalbhaga-Arki area of Saraikela-Kharsawan district.

"We have sent a helicopter to rescue two security personnel who are critically injured. We are waiting for more details," news agency ANI quoted RK Mallick, ADG Jharkhand Police, as saying.

Last year, a jawan of the CoBRA squad was injured in an encounter with Maoist rebels in Jharkhand's Singhbhum district. At least five Maoist guerilla fighters also sustained bullet injuries in the gun battle with the joint forces of paramilitary forces, Jharkhand and West Bengal police in Ghatsila area.

COBRA is a specialised unit of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) proficient in guerrilla tactics and jungle warfare. Originally established to counter the Naxalite problem, CoBRA is deployed to address any insurgent group engaging in asymmetrical warfare. Currently numbering ten battalions, CoBRA is ranked among one of India's most experienced and successful law enforcement units.