Bhubaneswar: In a significant development in the fight against red terrorism, security forces have successfully dismantled two Maoist camps in Odisha’s Bolangir district, recovering a substantial cache of explosives and incriminating materials. This joint operation took place on May 15 in the dense forests of Gandhamardan Hills under Khaprakhol police station and Chhatradandi Reserve Forest under Tureikela police station.
Acting on specific intelligence regarding Maoist activities in these areas, a special team comprising personnel from the Odisha Police, District Voluntary Force (DVF), and Special Operations Group (SOG) launched a coordinated effort. The camps, reportedly run by cadres of the Bolangir-Bargarh-Mahasamund (BBM) division of the outlawed CPI (Maoist), were destroyed during the raid.
According to Northern Range Inspector General of Police (IG) Himanshu Lal, these camps were part of a strategic corridor used by Maoists for transit between Odisha and Chhattisgarh. “Following intensified operations in Chhattisgarh under ‘Operation Black Forest,’ Maoist operatives are relocating and using Odisha’s forested areas as a safer refuge,” IG Lal noted. He confirmed that while the Maoists managed to escape prior to the forces’ arrival, a large haul of explosives, including Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), detonators, and Maoist literature, was seized.
Bolangir Superintendent of Police Avilash G stated that two police teams were deployed after receiving credible information about Maoist activities on May 15. “We initiated combing operations in the Gandhamardan and Chatra Tandi forests. The camps were dismantled, and several Naxal items, primarily explosive materials and manuals for assembling IEDs, were recovered,” he explained.
Authorities believe that 5 to 6 Maoist operatives were stationed at the two locations but fled upon learning of the impending raid. The seized Maoist literature and equipment suggest that the groups were preparing for potential subversive actions in the region.
In response, security forces have intensified combing operations in the area to flush out any remaining insurgents. Officials reiterated that the Bolangir-Bargarh-Mahasamund (BBM) division continues to exploit the dense jungle corridor for movement and communication between Maoist units in Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
This bust marks a major success for Odisha Police and allied forces in their ongoing counter-insurgency efforts, as they work to monitor and disrupt Maoist networks across vulnerable districts.
