CRPF Constable Praneswar Koch Killed in Jharkhand Anti-Naxal Encounter
A somber day unfolded for the nation as CRPF Constable Praneswar Koch, hailing from Magur Mari village in Assam's Kokrajhar district, was martyred during an intense clash with Naxals in Jharkhand’s Bokaro district on Wednesday morning. The courageous jawan was part of the distinguished 209 CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) unit within the Central Reserve Police Force.
The 209 CoBRA unit, in collaboration with the Jharkhand Police, initiated an operation targeting a Naxal hideout in Bokaro's dense forests around 6:30 AM. During the confrontation, security personnel eliminated a notorious Sub-Zonal Naxal Commander, Kunwar Manjhi, also known as Sahdeo Manjhi and Sade. An AK-47 rifle was seized at the encounter site.
Constable Koch made the ultimate sacrifice during this perilous mission, embodying valor and dedication in the fight against left-wing extremism. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma conveyed profound sorrow over the loss, remarking, "Assam's braveheart and Maa Bharti's son CT/GD Praneswar Koch of Kokrajhar attained martyrdom fighting Naxals in Jharkhand. The people of Assam salute his sacrifice and offer our thoughts and prayers to his family. We will always stand by them. His martyrdom will not go in vain as our forces continue to eliminate Naxalism from the face of the earth."
CRPF Director General GP Singh also honored the fallen jawan on social media, stating, "CT/GD Praneswar Koch, of Vill - Magur Mari, Distt: Kokrajhar, Assam, posted to 209 CoBRA, CRPF attained martyrdom this morning in an anti-Naxal operation where two Naxals were also neutralised. The entire CRPF family salutes his supreme sacrifice and re-dedicates itself to eliminating the scourge of Naxalism from our country. Rest in peace, brother."
The sacrifice of Praneswar Koch has evoked a significant wave of grief and pride throughout Assam and across the nation. This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by India’s security forces in their efforts to combat insurgent threats within the country's core regions.
