logo
Odisha police recovers explosives in anti-Maoist operation

Odisha police recovers explosives in anti-Maoist operation

BARGARH: The District Voluntary Force (DVF) of Bargarh police recovered a cache of explosives and Maoist materials during a combing operation in Gandhamardhan reserve forest in Paikmal area.
Bargarh SP Prahalad Sahai Meena on Monday said the operation was launched on May 30 on the basis of credible intelligence inputs regarding movement of armed operatives of the banned CPI (Maoist) outfit in the dense forest.
As part of area domination exercise, the DVF team scoured suspected hideouts and recovered several items believed to have been used by Maoist operatives for subversive activities. The seizure list included a gelatin stick, 25 detonators, two bundles of wire, a radio set, stretchable ropes, red banner cloth and a range of daily-use materials including haversacks, tarpaulins, mosquito nets, utensils, clothing and Naxal literature.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Cops identify Maoist mastermind behind theft of explosives
Cops identify Maoist mastermind behind theft of explosives

Time of India

time6 hours ago

  • Time of India

Cops identify Maoist mastermind behind theft of explosives

1 2 Bhubaneswar: Odisha police have identified Anmol, a Jharkhand-based Maoist leader, as the mastermind behind the recent theft of around 5,000 kg of explosives from a stone quarry at Banko in Sundargarh district. Anmol, 45, also known as Anmol da, Samar, and Lalchand Hembram, is a state committee member (SCM) of the outlawed CPI (Maoist). He carries bounties of Rs 15 lakh in Jharkhand and Rs 20 lakh in Odisha. Originally from Itwabeda Jarwa village under Penk-Narayanpur police station in Jharkhand, Anmol was previously active in the Bihar-Jharkhand-Odisha regional committee. Until 2018-19, he coordinated Maoist operations in Sambalpur-Deogarh-Sundargarh division of Odisha and led several attacks on security forces along the Odisha-Jharkhand axis. His knowledge of Naxal operations in Odisha and tactical proficiency facilitated the bold theft at the stone quarry in Banko, under K Balang police limits in Rourkela on May 27. The location's proximity to Jharkhand's Saranda forest, with its thick vegetation and challenging terrain, offered suitable cover for Anmol and his associates. "We have identified those Maoists involved in the explosives loot. Efforts are on to arrest them," DGP Y B Khurania told TOI. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 42-year-old woman changed drastically in a few months! This at Watsons too effective Body Design News Learn More Undo The DGP said nearly 75% of the stolen explosives have been recovered through joint operations conducted by Odisha and Jharkhand police, alongside the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). "Of the approximately 5 tonnes of gelatin sticks stolen, 3.8 tonnes have been retrieved. All credit goes to the personnel engaged in the massive joint search operation, which is still continuing. We aim to make complete recovery," Khurania said. The DGP acknowledged that the Sundargarh Naxal incident revealed areas for improvement. "We came across some learning points. We are reviewing standard operating procedures for explosive transport, storage in Naxal-affected areas, and compliance verification. Corrective and remedial measures would be implemented," Khurania said. He said police have begun inspecting firms involved in explosive trade in the state, particularly in Maoist-affected regions. Odisha police said they would not suggest to the ministry of home affairs (MHA) to reinstate Sundargarh under the Centre's security-related expenditure (SRE) scheme for Naxal-affected districts. Sundargarh was excluded from the SRE scheme after being removed from the left-wing extremism (LWE) affected areas list last year. The top cop reported a significant reduction in Naxal operations in Odisha, expressing confidence that law enforcement will successfully support the Centre's objective of establishing a 'Maoist-free India' by March 2026.

HC asks govt. to take decision on plea to appoint special public prosecutor in Shuhaib case
HC asks govt. to take decision on plea to appoint special public prosecutor in Shuhaib case

The Hindu

time16 hours ago

  • The Hindu

HC asks govt. to take decision on plea to appoint special public prosecutor in Shuhaib case

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday directed the State government to consider and take a decision in six weeks on a representation seeking to appoint a special public prosecutor in a case relating to the murder of Shuhaib, a Youth Congress leader from Kannur. Justice P.V. Kunhikrishnan, while disposing of a writ petition filed by the parents of Shuhaib, also ordered deferring of the trial in the case pending before the Thalassery Additional Sessions Judge till the government takes a decision on the representation filed by the parents. Shuhaib, 29, was hacked to death in Mattannur, Kannur, on February 12, 2018. The case was earlier investigated by a Special Investigation Team. The High Court later ordered an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the case on a writ petition moved by the parents. They had alleged that the investigation at the very inception was shabby and lackadaisical as the accused were Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] workers. The Supreme Court recently dismissed an appeal filed by the government against the High Court's verdict for a CBI probe in the case. Associated with CPI(M) In their petition seeking to appoint Padmanabhan, a lawyer from Hosdurg, as the special public prosecutor, the parents said that the present public prosecutor in charge of the case was closely associated with the CPI(M). He may not be able to prosecute the case in an impartial and effective manner without any fear as the accused are ardent activists of the CPI(M). It is essential to appoint a special public prosecutor of the petitioners' choice to ensure a free and fair trial and instil confidence in the minds of the petitioner, they contended.

From Pakistan To Naxals, Modi 3.0 Is All Action, No Ambiguity On National Security
From Pakistan To Naxals, Modi 3.0 Is All Action, No Ambiguity On National Security

News18

timea day ago

  • News18

From Pakistan To Naxals, Modi 3.0 Is All Action, No Ambiguity On National Security

Last Updated: PM Modi has reinforced India's national security doctrine with decisive, outcome-oriented action. It has been exactly one year of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's third term. At 74, with elections behind him and a clear mandate in hand, Modi has set out to shape his legacy – anchored firmly in one message: national security is non-negotiable. PM Modi has reinforced India's national security doctrine with decisive, outcome-oriented action. From launching Operation Sindoor to deporting illegal immigrants and crushing Naxal terror, Modi has abandoned strategic restraint in favour of strategic clarity – making it clear that India's security is not up for negotiation. A Steely Doctrine – Hardening With Time At the core of Modi's popularity is his unwavering stance on national security. Even as Gujarat's chief minister, he had declared that Pakistan must be 'answered in its own language" – criticising the then UPA government's muted response to terrorism. Since then, India has undergone a strategic transformation. It started with ' Ghar mein ghus ke maarna" – and evolved into a hardened national doctrine. In 2016, after the Uri terror attack by Lashkar-e-Taiba that killed 18 Indian soldiers, India responded with surgical strikes across the LoC. In 2019, after the Pulwama terror attack by Jaish-e-Mohammad killed over 40 CRPF personnel, India launched airstrikes on Jaish camps in Balakot—deep inside Pakistan. Operation Sindoor: Changing the Rules In a four-day conflict with Pakistan, India launched an 88-hour offensive, striking 9 terror targets and 11 airbases across Pakistan using armed drones, SCALP and Hammer missiles, and the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. This wasn't just military retaliation – it was the unshackling of India's old doctrine. For the first time, Pakistan's military became a legitimate target of anti-terror strikes. Pakistan's true colours – known to India for long – were exposed globally when it came out to defend and then avenge its terrorist groups that faced a beating from Indian bombs. Pakistan's military put its existence on the line for the terrorists, it attended their funerals and gave them assurances for protection and reconstruction — the secret was out. The act was over. If India wanted to fight terror, it must strike Pakistan's military and that it did. 11 airbases, several other air defence and radar sites, and Pakistani posts along the LoC — India acted with impunity and Pakistan was left scrambling — exposed and vulnerable. Now, the doctrine is permanently set in stone. As long as Pakistan sponsors terror, its terror and military targets are one and the same. Its nuclear blackmail will not be tolerated. And it cannot take the Indus water flow for granted. No treaties, no negotiations, no one-sided goodwill gestures. Pakistan will reap exactly what it sows. With this, the rules of the game have been changed. And given the direction India is headed under Modi, this doctrine is only going to grow stronger, harder and more effective. India Declares Final War on Red Terror 'If the Challenge is Tough, the Solution Will Be Tougher". This motto doesn't apply only to foreign enemies. Modi 3.0 is also wielding its iron resolve against internal threats—starting with India's decades-old left-wing insurgency which India has vowed to eliminate entirely by March 31st, 2026. The 58-year-old Naxal insurgency, once a dominant force across a 'Red Corridor" stretching over 182 districts and nearly 40 per cent of India's landmass in 2013, is now reduced to just 18 districts. Recently, India scored its biggest breakthrough in years—the killing of Nambala Keshava Rao alias Basavaraju, the supreme commander of the CPI (Maoist), in a 50-hour encounter. Trained by the LTTE, Basavaraju was known for brutal IED attacks and ambushes, and was responsible for over 150 security personnel deaths. Over 30 Maoists were eliminated, including Basavaraju. Significantly, this mission involved the District Reserve Guard of Chhattisgarh, comprising surrendered Naxals—proof that the ideological tide has turned. India's approach has been four-pronged: modern warfare tactics, relentless counter-Naxal operations, choking off funding and arms, and moving in with development schemes and governance. The push for road and internet connectivity, elections, and financial inclusion has made a real difference. Democracy is being delivered till the last mile – and with that, Naxalism is being bled of its oxygen. Dealing with Illegal Immigration National security in Modi 3.0 isn't just about warfare – it's about protecting India's demographic and territorial integrity. Since Operation Sindoor alone, that is, in less than a month, India has deported more than 2000 illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. The strategy is simple: verify their foreign status, and send them packing. Hundreds have been transported on airplanes and trains to the Bangladesh border, where they are instructed to simply return to their homeland. The process is swift: identification, transportation to border camps, and repatriation via BSF – all often within hours. No court hearings. According to a source cited in an Indian Express report, 'the illegal immigrants are being ferried to the borders in IAF aircraft from various locations and handed over to the BSF to be held in makeshift camps along the border. They are provided food and some Bangladeshi currency, if needed, and 'pushed back" into their country after a few hours of detention." Gujarat, Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and the Bangladesh bordering states – Assam and Meghalaya are the states that are involved in this exercise so far. The success of this operation is hinged on a simple principle. Once rounded up, most illegal immigrants prefer to return safely rather than be detained and go through legal battles. But there are challenges ahead, as the number of deportations grow, Bangladesh is expected to resist this measure. In fact, there is already some pushback. Brigadier General Md. Nazim-ud-Daula, director of the Military Operations Directorate of the Bangladesh Army, said at a press conference in Dhaka that 'push-ins are unacceptable". But for now he says, 'BGB is managing well, within international protocols." Ultimately, there is little Bangladesh can do if its citizens turn up at the border gates, having decided to return to their homeland. Now, such deportations have taken place on a smaller scale under previous governments as well, but some immigrants return undetected once the heat lowers. This time however, the Home Ministry is collecting biometric data to prepare a blacklist of deportees, who will be barred from applying for Aadhar cards. Similarly, in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, over a thousand Pakistani nationals were asked to leave India. top videos View all Though the move may appear harsh, it reflects Modi 3.0's uncompromising position: national security is paramount, and there is no room for ambiguity. From cross-border strikes to domestic crackdowns, just the first year of Modi's third term has redrawn India's national security landscape. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18's views About the Author Shubhangi Sharma Shubhangi Sharma is News Editor - Special Projects at News18. She covers foreign affairs and geopolitics, and also keeps a close watch on the national pulse of India. tags : Anti-Naxal operations anti-terror operations Narendra Modi National Security Naxal encounter Operation Sindoor Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 04, 2025, 12:33 IST News opinion OPINION | From Pakistan To Naxals, Modi 3.0 Is All Action, No Ambiguity On National Security

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store