Phulbani, March 31: In a significant success for security forces, a large quantity of arms, ammunition, and Maoist supplies has been seized from a natural cave in the forests of Daringbadi police station area in Kandhamal district.
The recovery, based on specific intelligence inputs, has reportedly thwarted a major Maoist conspiracy in the region, according to Kandhamal Superintendent of Police Harish Bishi (also referred to as Harish Bishoi or Harish B.C. in reports).
The joint operation involving SOG (Special Operations Group) and DVF (District Voluntary Force) personnel began on Sunday in the forests near Pakari, Babuti, Jamabari, and Matabari villages under Daringbadi police limits. During a search on Monday, security forces discovered the cache hidden inside a natural cave close to Matabari village.
Items seized include:
1 SLR (Self-Loading Rifle)
1 .303 rifle
2 12-bore guns
2 SBGL (Single Barrel Grenade Launcher) rifles
1 country-made gun
79 rounds of live ammunition
10 SBGL grenades
30 electric detonators
5 Baofeng walkie-talkies
3 solar panels
2 torch lights
50 kg of rice
3 kg of dal
Medicines, cooking utensils, and other daily essentials
A large number of Maoist literature and magazines were also recovered from the site.
Security forces have intensified search operations in the area following the seizure, and police remain on high alert.
SP Harish Bishi stated that only 9 Maoists are currently active in Kandhamal district. He specifically mentioned Shila Mund, who carries a reward of ₹27 lakh on her head.
Despite the Central Government’s deadline for making districts Maoist-free having passed, combing operations will continue with full intensity, the SP assured.
Local residents and various quarters have praised the dedication, sincerity, and efficiency of SP Harish Bishi and the security personnel for this achievement. There is growing optimism that Kandhamal district will soon be declared Maoist-free with sustained efforts.
This recovery comes amid intensified anti-Maoist operations in the district, which have already led to several surrenders and seizures in recent weeks.
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