Security forces have achieved a major success in the ongoing anti-Maoist operation in Sukma district with the recovery of a large cache of weapons, ammunition and explosive materials hidden by Maoists in a forested area. The recovery was made on August 24 during a joint area domination and search operation in the Bhandarpadar and Munurkonda forest and hilly areas under the Bhejji police station limits.
Joint Security Operation By DRG, Bastar Fighters, District Force
The operation was conducted by a joint team comprising the District Force, District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Bastar Fighters, based on intelligence inputs received from surrendered Maoists.
During the search, the team detected a Maoist dump that had reportedly been concealed earlier in the forest. A detailed search of the site led to the recovery of 23 weapons, including one SLR rifle, one .315-bore rifle, one .410 musket, six BGL launchers, five 12-bore rifles and seven locally made rifles.
Huge Cache of Arms and Ammunition Recovered
A large quantity of ammunition was also recovered. According to the police, 492 live rounds of different calibres, including ammunition for AK-47, SLR, INSAS, .303, .315 and 12-bore rifles, were seized.
The security forces also recovered 240 gelatin sticks and around 18 kilograms of gunpowder, along with five country-made hand grenades and a large number of BGL cells and cartridges.
The recovered material included 8 large BGL cells, 23 medium BGL cells, 58 small BGL cells and 66 BGL cartridges. Several magazines, magazine pouches, BGL pouches and other Maoist-use materials were also recovered.
Other items found in the dump included black uniforms, waist pouches, belts, backpacks, solar panels, medicines and other daily-use materials.
Sukma Police said continuous area domination and search operations are being carried out to locate arms, ammunition, explosives and other Maoist material hidden in forests and remote areas.
The latest recovery is being seen as a significant setback to the Maoist network in the region. Police said operations will continue to maintain peace, security and a development-friendly environment in Sukma district.
Further legal action is underway after the recovered material was secured and taken into police custody.