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Hans India
3 days ago
- Hans India
Explosives unearthed in Kandhamal; Maoists' plot foiled
Bhubaneswar: Ina major breakthrough for anti-Maoist operations in Odisha, security forces uncovered a substantial cache of explosives and tactical equipment during a combing operation in Kandhamal district. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, a team from the District Voluntary Force (DVF) discovered the Maoist dump deep within Guma reserved forest near Sinahibali village, under the jurisdiction of Belgarh police station, police said. The recovered materials include 564 electrical detonators, 77 non-electrical detonators, four remote controls, two electrical sensors, two battery inputs, one electrical switch, a steel drum with cover and a steel tiffin carrier. Officials believe the cache was intended for use in ambushes targeting security personnel engaged in patrol and combing operations in the region. Kandhamal SP Harish B C confirmed that the operation was carried out with maximum caution, involving a bomb disposal squad that first sanitised the area for booby traps and pressure bombs before unearthing the dump. The forested terrain of Kandhamal, known for its dense cover and strategic value to Maoist insurgents, has long posed challenges to law enforcement agencies. However, recent operations have intensified surveillance and combing efforts, leading to a series of successful recoveries. This latest seizure follows a string of anti-Maoist actions in the region. On June 30, two senior Maoist leaders from Chhattisgarh were gunned down in an encounter in Pushungia forest under Baliguda police limits. A separate operation earlier this month yielded rifles, revolvers, cartridges and communication devices from a Maoist camp. Sources within the security establishment said the recovered detonators and remote devices were likely part of a larger plan to disrupt ongoing counter-insurgency efforts. With Maoist activity reportedly spilling over from Chhattisgarh into Odisha's forests, Kandhamal has become a focal point for coordinated operations aimed at dismantling insurgent infrastructure. Authorities have launched a follow-up investigation to trace the origin of the explosives and identify any remaining Maoist operatives in the vicinity. The success of the DVF team underscores the growing effectiveness of Odisha's anti-Naxal strategy, combining intelligence-led operations with tactical precision. As combing operations continue, officials remain vigilant against further threats in the region.


Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
Security forces seize Maoist explosives in Kandhamal
Berhampur: In a significant anti-Maoist operation, security forces seized a large cache of explosives from a Maoist dump in Kandhamal district on Thursday. The recovery included 600 detonators and a remote device from Gumma forest area under Kotagarh police station limits. Kandhamal SP Harish BC said the operation was conducted following specific intelligence inputs. "A joint team of district voluntary force and bomb disposal squad carried out the search operation after taking necessary precautions," he added. The team first sanitized the area for possible booby traps and pressure bombs before unearthing the dump, which was reportedly set up to target security forces during anti-Maoist operations. This success comes on the heels of another major achievement when Kandhamal police killed two senior Maoist leaders from Chhattisgarh in an encounter on June 30 in Pushungia forest under Baliguda police station limits. That operation yielded significant recoveries, including a .303 rifle, ammunition, a revolver, walkie-talkies and other tactical equipment. "We have intensified our anti-Maoist operations in the area to locate any additional dumps and possible hideouts," the SP added.


Time of India
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Cadre killings, surrenders have weakened Maoists: Police
Berhampur: Law enforcement agencies expect a major weakening of the Kalahandi-Kandhamal-Boudh-Nayagarh (KKBN) division of the CPI (Maoist) following the recent killing of two Maoists in an encounter and the surrender of three others in Kandhamal's Phulbani on Monday. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Kandhamal SP Harish B C said the KKBN division has lost at least 15 senior leaders in the last month alone, dealing a significant blow to the outfit's operations in Kandhamal and adjoining Boudh and Nayagarh districts. "Their absence will weaken the Maoist base in these areas," the SP said, adding that anti-Maoist operations in the district have been intensified. Appealing to Maoists to abandon violence and join the mainstream, the SP said those who surrender will be rehabilitated under the government's surrender and rehabilitation policy. On June 30, two senior Maoist leaders, including an area committee member, were killed by security forces during an encounter at Pushungia forest under Baliguda police station limits in Kandhamal. Police said the bodies were disposed of on Tuesday after no one came forward to claim them.


Time of India
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Cops seize firearms, Maoist items from shootout site
1 2 3 Berhampur: Police seized firearms and items belonging to the Maoists from Pushungia reserve forest under Kandhamal district, a day after two rebels from Chhattisgarh were killed in an exchange of fire with security forces on Monday. "During the search operation, security forces recovered a .303 rifle with sling, magazine, a revolver and ammunition, revolver pouch with sling, a knife, walkie-talkies and spare battery, shaving blades, umbrella and a haversack," Kandhamal SP Harish BC said on Tuesday. He said anti-Maoist operation has been intensified in the area following suspicion the rebels may be hiding in the dense forest following the shootout. The SP said Manku, the area committee member, carried a reward of Rs 4 lakh on his head, while Chandan, a party member, had a Rs 2 lakh bounty. Police said family members of the deceased Maoists did not came to claim their bodies so far. "We will wait for another two days before disposing of their bodies," the SP said. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025 , messages and quotes!