BHUBANESWAR: In a major breakthrough, security forces in Odisha’s Kandhamal district have foiled a significant Maoist attack plot, recovering a large cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives from a concealed cave in a forested area under Daringbadi police limits.
Acting on credible intelligence inputs, a joint anti-Naxalite operation was launched by the Special Operations Group (SOG) and District Voluntary Force (DVF) in villages including Pakari, Babuti, Jamabari, and Matabari. During a combing operation on March 30, security personnel discovered a hidden cave near Matabari village that was being used by Maoists to store weapons and logistical supplies.
The recovered materials include 10 firearms—such as an SLR rifle, a .303 rifle, two 12-bore guns, two SBGL rifles, and a country-made weapon—along with two magazines and 79 rounds of ammunition. Security forces also seized 10 SBGL grenades, 30 electric detonators, and a quantity of explosive material (Codex), indicating preparations for a potential large-scale act of violence.
Additionally, five walkie-talkies, three solar panels, two torchlights, food supplies, medicines, utensils, and Maoist literature were recovered from the site. Police suspect that the stockpile was intended for carrying out subversive activities in the region.
Following the seizure, security forces have intensified search operations in the surrounding forest areas. According to police sources, around nine Maoists—including two men and seven women—are still active in the region. A reward of Rs 27 lakh has been announced for Maoist leader Sheela, who is believed to be operating in the area.
Kandhamal Superintendent of Police Harish Bishi confirmed that a large-scale anti-Maoist operation is currently underway in the forested border areas of Raikia and Daringbadi. “We have deployed 28 teams in the ongoing operation. Based on intelligence inputs about hidden weapon dumps, joint teams of SOG and DVF conducted extensive searches and uncovered a major Maoist cache near Matabari village,” he said.
Senior police officials indicate that Odisha is nearing a Maoist-free status. Additional Director General (ADG) of Police (Anti-Naxal Operations), Sanjeeb Panda, stated that Maoist activity in the state has declined significantly due to sustained operations by security forces. He informed that eight districts have already been declared Maoist-free, and the situation has improved markedly compared to 2025, when nine districts were affected.
Providing operational data, the ADG said that between 2025 and 2026, a total of 27 Maoists have been neutralised, 120 have surrendered, and nine have been arrested. However, he acknowledged the high cost of the prolonged conflict, noting that 239 security personnel lost their lives in anti-Naxal operations, while Maoist violence claimed 359 civilian lives over the years.
He emphasised that the progress achieved is the result of sustained efforts and sacrifices by security forces. “Our target has largely been achieved, and only a few Maoists remain active,” Panda said, adding that appeals have been made for their surrender.
Security forces have warned that strict action will be taken if the remaining Maoists do not surrender. Combing operations continue in the dense forest regions, marking a decisive phase in Odisha’s long-standing fight against Maoist insurgency and bringing the state closer to lasting peace and stability.
