Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi met Assistant Commandant Ajay Malik of the CRPF’s elite 209 CoBRA Battalion in R.K. Puram, New Delhi, and lauded his courage after the officer lost a leg during an anti-Maoist operation.
Ajay Malik was seriously injured in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast earlier this month while participating in a search and cordon operation in the Saranda forest area of West Singhbhum district, Jharkhand.
Praises Courage and Dedication
Sharing details of the meeting, Rahul Gandhi said he was deeply moved by the officer’s indomitable courage, resilience and unwavering spirit.
“I salute his service and dedication to the nation and wish him a speedy recovery,” Gandhi stated after interacting with Malik and his family.
Incident During Anti-Maoist Operation
The incident occurred during a joint operation based on specific intelligence inputs regarding Maoist presence in the region. A pressure IED exploded during the operation, leaving the officer critically injured.
He was immediately evacuated from the site, provided initial medical aid, and airlifted to Ranchi for advanced treatment. Following the blast, security forces intensified operations in the area and deployed additional personnel.
Tribute to Security Forces
The incident highlights the risks faced by security forces during counter-insurgency operations in Maoist-affected regions. Ajay Malik’s sacrifice and courage continue to reflect the dedication and bravery of CRPF personnel serving in challenging conditions.
Separately, Rahul Gandhi also expressed condolences over the loss of lives in a recent hospital fire incident in Odisha, extending support to the affected families.
