Rourkela, Oct 28: A tragic incident occurred on Tuesday morning in the Digha area under Jaraikela police station limits, near the Odisha–Jharkhand border, where an 18-year-old woman lost her life in an IED explosion.

According to reports, the victim had gone to the nearby forest to collect dry firewood when she accidentally stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by Maoists. The blast caused severe injuries to both her legs. Though she was immediately rescued and taken for medical treatment, she succumbed to her injuries on the way.

Security sources said Maoist activity has recently intensified along the Odisha–Jharkhand border, prompting security forces to ramp up combing operations in the region. The IED is believed to have been planted to target patrolling personnel.

Following the incident, security forces launched a search operation in and around the area to trace those responsible. Villagers have been urged not to venture into the forest for safety reasons.