Major Maoist Explosives Cache Found in Odisha Forest During Security Operation

Bhubaneswar, July 19 (IANS) — In a big success for anti-Maoist efforts in Odisha, security forces found a large number of explosives and equipment hidden in a forest in Kandhamal district.

The discovery was made during a combing operation in the Guma Reserved Forest near Sinahibali village, under the Belgarh Police Station. A special team from the District Voluntary Force (DVF) acted on specific intelligence reports and found the hidden items, police said.

The items recovered include:

• 564 electrical detonators

• 77 non-electrical detonators

• 4 remote controls

• 2 electrical sensors

• 2 battery inputs

• 1 electrical switch

• A steel drum with a cover

• A steel tiffin carrier

Police believe these explosives were meant for attacks on security personnel during patrols and search missions in the area.

Kandhamal Superintendent of Police Harish B.C. said the operation was carried out very carefully. A bomb disposal team first checked the area for hidden bombs and traps before recovering the materials.

Kandhamal is a difficult area for police work because of its thick forests. Maoist rebels often use such areas to hide and plan attacks. However, security forces have recently increased their patrols and searches, which has led to several successful raids.

This recent discovery is one of many anti-Maoist actions in the region. On June 30, two top Maoist leaders from Chhattisgarh were killed in a shootout in the Pushungia forest area under Baliguda Police. Earlier this month, police also found guns, bullets, and radios at a Maoist camp in another part of Kandhamal.

Security officials believe that the explosives found were part of a bigger plan to stop anti-Maoist operations in the region. With Maoist activity moving from Chhattisgarh into Odisha, Kandhamal has become a key area for these groups. Because of this, the government has made the area a focus point for strong action against insurgents.

A follow-up investigation is now underway to find out where the explosives came from and whether any Maoist members are still hiding nearby.

This operation shows that Odisha’s anti-Maoist strategy—using good information and careful planning—is working. As security forces continue their search, they remain alert for any more threats in the forests of Kandhamal.