Daijiworld Media Network- Bhubaneshwar
Bhubaneshwar, Jun 2: In a significant breakthrough, security forces have recovered over 2.5 tonnes of explosives that were looted by Maoists earlier this week in a dramatic highway heist near the Odisha-Jharkhand border.
The explosives—primarily gelatin sticks packed in over 200 packets—were discovered deep inside the Saranda forest, in the Tirilposh area, located near the interstate boundary, officials confirmed on Sunday.
This follows an intensive search operation launched after armed Maoists hijacked a truck transporting the explosives in K Balang area on Friday. Reports suggest that around 30 Maoists from Jharkhand intercepted the vehicle and held the driver at gunpoint before fleeing with nearly 4 tonnes of explosives.
A fierce gunfight had broken out between the Maoists and security personnel following the loot, during which a small quantity of the stolen materials was recovered. However, the majority of the cache remained missing until the latest find.
The Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) Y B Khurania, along with senior officials, visited the scene of the incident shortly after the theft. In a bid to expedite the investigation, the Odisha Police constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT). Meanwhile, a team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has also begun a parallel probe into the matter.
According to security sources, the recovery site’s proximity to the Saranda forest—a known Maoist stronghold—indicates the rebels may have used dense jungle terrain to hide the stolen explosives.
The incident has raised concerns about the resurgence of Maoist activity in the region and the potential threat posed by such a large volume of explosives falling into insurgent hands.
Security forces are continuing combing operations in the area, and officials said more recoveries may be expected in the coming days.