Daijiworld Media Network - Raipur
Raipur, Jun 7: Security forces scored a major success in their ongoing anti-Maoist operations in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district after recovering and safely disposing of powerful improvised explosive devices (IEDs), while also uncovering a significant cache of weapons, explosives, and Maoist-related materials.
According to police officials, the operation was carried out following specific intelligence inputs regarding the presence of Maoist activities in the forested region near Todma village under the jurisdiction of Barsur Police Station.
A joint team comprising personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Dantewada Police launched a search mission at around 6 a.m. The operation was led by CRPF Second-in-Command Vikrant Verma and Assistant Commandant Sanjeev Kumar Yadav, with support from local police units.
During the combing exercise, security personnel detected suspicious objects hidden deep inside the forest at approximately 8:40 a.m. The area was immediately cordoned off and the Bomb Disposal Squad was called in for examination.
Upon inspection, the devices were identified as two five-litre pressure cooker IEDs and a 10-kg pipe bomb. Following standard bomb-disposal procedures, experts successfully neutralised and destroyed all three explosive devices on the spot, eliminating a serious threat to both security personnel and civilians.
Officials stated that the prompt response and alertness of the forces prevented a potentially devastating incident and reflected the effectiveness of coordinated counter-insurgency operations in the region.
The search operation subsequently led to the discovery of a large stockpile of arms, explosives, communication equipment, and other materials allegedly concealed by Maoist cadres. Among the items recovered were BGLs, a .303 rifle, an air rifle, magazines, charger clips, spent cartridge cases, 12-bore ammunition, blank cartridges, wireless communication sets with batteries, gunpowder, Cordex wire, detonators, electric and non-electric explosive devices, a 51mm bomb with empty shells, binoculars, combat gear, uniforms, ammunition pouches, electrical equipment, batteries, wiring materials, and several other operational supplies.
Security personnel also recovered Maoist literature and documents, which investigators believe could provide valuable insights into the organisation's activities, structure, and ideology.
After completing the operation, all personnel returned safely to base camps, and authorities initiated the necessary legal and seizure-related procedures.
Police officials noted that the recovery demonstrates the scale of resources maintained by Maoist groups in the Bastar region and highlights the critical role of intelligence-based operations in weakening their network.
The successful disposal of explosive devices and seizure of a substantial quantity of arms and equipment marks another important milestone in the ongoing campaign against Maoist insurgency in Bastar, strengthening efforts to restore lasting peace, stability, and security across the region.