CRPF hints at mistake in defusing IED which killed 3 in Bihar

The CRPF today indicated that there could have been a "mistake" by its officials in crippling an IED in Bihar's Aurangabad district which left three of its personnel dead and seven others injured.

However, CRPF chief Dilip Trivedi dismissed any shortcomings in the evacuation of one of its jawan whose heart wrenching appeal to save him was flashed across TV channels and social media platforms.

"Our officers have come back (from Bihar) after investigations in this case. The information that I have got is that there is no such lapse (in evacuating the injured personnel). Also, may be, it can be said that there could have been a slight mistake or lapse in handling the IED but it can be a human error.

"Even experts commit mistakes but it is important to see that our men went on a mission of national security and we should not be doubtful about someone who has sacrificed his life," CRPF Director General Dilip Trivedi told reporters on the sidelines of the 'valour day' and passing out of new officers event here.

He also defended his injured Jawan Dilip Kumar, who was seen making a fervent appeal to save his life in a video clip.

"When someone has seen a blast he could be disturbed. He is not careful about the timing and other things...the helicopter cannot fly immediately and in Gaya there was no landing facility but even then the chopper landed to pick the injured trooper. The incident happened at about 1:20 PM and the chopper was there by 2:30 PM," Trivedi said.

The jawan, who is admitted in a critical state in Ranchi's Apollo hospital, was seen appealing to the Prime Minister, President and his DG (Trivedi) to save his life.

"I have no doctor with me...I will die...I am losing blood...I have small kids...it has been two hours but there has been no helicopter for me. I have been hit in an IED blast," he was seen stating in the video. 

Three CRPF personnel, including Deputy Commandant Inderjit Singh, were killed and seven other security officials injured on Monday when they were defusing a landmine planted by Maoists in Dibra area of Aurangabad district.

DC Singh and other security personnel reached the area where the IEDs were planted but the explosion took place before the bomb disposal squad could reach the spot thereby injuring the troopers on spot.

The paramilitary chief, whose force is the mainstay for anti-Naxal operations in the country with close to one lakh personnel deployed for the task, said pilots and other officials deputed in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) operations grid have undertaken daunting missions to rescue injured men in action.

"During casualty evacuation no pilot or official has ever stepped back...they have undertaken difficult missions whether it is a IAF or BSF chopper. They have landed the machine even at places where it was very difficult and risky. There has never been a complaint ever (with regard to delay in rescue and medical aid services)," he said.

The DG, during the visit to the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Officers Training Academy at Kadarpur here, took the salute from a contingent of 190 newly passed out Assistant Commandant rank officers which included four women.

The young men and women will now join the country's largest paramilitary in its various operational theatres in insurgency and Naxalism affected areas along with rendering internal security tasks across the country.

The CRPF is about 3-lakh personnel strong force.