CRPF Loses K9 Member Stunner To IED Blast During Anti-Maoist Operations In Jharkhand; Handler Injured

Ranchi: The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) lost yet another brave member to an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast in the Baliba forest in the West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand on Saturday.

Stunner, a dog of the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad of the 209 CoBRA Battalion lost his life during a Search and Destroy Operation (SADO) against Maoists around 3.50 pm. His handler Constable Sumith M sustained splinter injuries and has been evacuated to a hospital.

In a message released by the CRPF, it has been said that Stunner saved the lives of several commandos by detecting the IED. The device got detonated before it could be refused, killing the K9 and injuring his handler.

“Our brave K9, Stunner, attained martyrdom in the line of duty in a tragic IED blast today (08 Nov 25, 1550 hrs) during a SADO operation by B & D/ 209 CoBRA in the Baliba forest, West Singhbhum, Jharkhand. Stunner lost his life, saving many commandos today,” the CRPF said.

“Dog Handler CT/GD Sumith M sustained splinter injuries and is currently being evacuated. We salute the supreme sacrifice of K9 Stunner and wish CT/GD Sumith M a swift recovery,” the message added.

This is not the first time that the force has lost a dog during anti-Maoist operations in Jharkhand. In July 2021, K9 Drone was also killed in an IED blast. The dig’s handler was also injured in that incident that occurred in the Gumla district of the state.

Drone, who belonged to the 203 CoBRA Battalion was cremated with full honours. Senior officers will also pay their respects to Stunner on Sunday before he is cremated.