A major anti-Naxal operation in Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada district has dealt another blow to Maoist networks, with security forces recovering a large cache of explosives, weapons-related materials and insurgent equipment while successfully neutralising multiple improvised explosive devices hidden deep inside a forested zone.
The operation prevented a potential security threat and highlighted the continued focus on dismantling Naxal infrastructure across the Bastar region through intelligence-based field operations.
Search operation launched on intelligence inputs
Acting on specific information about Maoist activity, a joint search mission was carried out in the forest area near Todma village under the Barsur Police Station limits.
The operation involved personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force and Dantewada Police, supported by local police units. The search began early in the morning around 6 am under the supervision of Second-in-Command Vikrant Verma and Assistant Commandant Sanjeev Kumar Yadav.
Hidden explosives discovered
During the combing exercise, security personnel detected suspicious objects concealed in the forest.
Following standard safety procedures, the area was immediately secured and the Bomb Disposal Squad was called to the spot.
A detailed examination revealed the presence of two five-litre pressure cooker-based IEDs along with a ten-kilogram pipe bomb. All three explosive devices were safely neutralised and destroyed at the location using specialised disposal techniques.
Officials said the timely detection of the explosives helped avert a potentially serious incident.
Massive cache recovered
The operation did not end with the destruction of the IEDs. Security teams continued searching the surrounding area and uncovered a significant stockpile of materials allegedly stored by Maoist cadres. Among the items recovered were:
- BGL launchers and weapon-related equipment
- A .303 rifle and an air rifle
- Magazines, charger clips and ammunition
- Empty cartridge cases and 12-bore rounds
- Wireless communication sets with batteries
- Gunpowder and Cordex wire
- Electric bells, switches and detonator systems
- 128 electric detonators
- 48 non-electric explosive devices
- A 51 mm bomb and empty bomb shells
- Binoculars and surveillance-related equipment
- Naxal uniforms and combat accessories
- Ammunition pouches and combat belts
- Multimeter, camera flash units and electric control devices
- Thirty-five 12-volt batteries
- Telephone wire and assorted field-use materials
- Naxal literature also seized
Pressure on Maoist network
All personnel involved in the operation returned safely after completing the search and seizure process. Legal formalities related to the recovery have been initiated.
Officials said the scale of the seizure reflects the extent of preparations being made by Maoist groups and underlines the importance of sustained intelligence-driven operations in affected areas.
The successful destruction of explosive devices and recovery of a large quantity of prohibited material is being viewed as another significant step in the ongoing campaign against Naxal networks in Bastar, where security forces have intensified operations aimed at weakening insurgent capabilities and restoring long-term peace.