Kanker: In a major success for security forces, a large cache of weapons, explosives, and Maoist-related materials has been recovered from a hidden insurgent dump in the dense forested and hilly terrain along the Kanker–Narayanpur district border. The operation was carried out jointly by the District Reserve Guard (DRG), Border Security Force (BSF), and the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS).
According to Kanker Superintendent of Police Nikhil Rakhecha, sustained and coordinated anti-Maoist operations are being conducted in insurgency-affected regions of the district to curb extremist activities and ensure public safety.
Explosives Neutralised Safely by Bomb Disposal Squad
During the operation, security personnel discovered a concealed Maoist dump in the forested hills between Hetarkasa, Pallahur, and Japmarka villages under Koilibeda police station limits. The search led to the recovery of a range of arms and ammunition, including a .303 rifle magazine, a Barrel Grenade Launcher (BGL), four rounds of .303 rifle ammunition, 30 rounds of AK-47 ammunition, four rounds of Self-Loading Rifle (SLR) ammunition, and 10 BGL shells.
Additionally, a tiffin Improvised Explosive Device (IED) weighing approximately three kilograms and two pipe bombs were found at the site. The Bomb Disposal Squad acted promptly to neutralise and safely destroy the explosives on the spot, eliminating any immediate threat to security personnel and civilians.
Police officials confirmed that the joint operation was led by teams from the BSF, DRG, and Koilibeda Police, reflecting strong inter-agency coordination in tackling insurgent threats.
Earlier Recovery Points to Continued Maoist Activity
This operation follows a similar recovery made on July 12 near the same Kanker–Narayanpur border region. During a routine anti-Naxal patrol, a joint team of the BSF and DRG uncovered another Maoist dump under the Koylibeda police station limits.
Security personnel grew suspicious after noticing signs of concealed materials beneath the ground in the forested and hilly area between Alparas and Gumchur villages. A detailed search operation led to the recovery of two .303 rifles, 32 live cartridges, and several items of operational and communication equipment.
Among the seized materials were a laptop, a tablet, three wireless batteries, a radio communication set, two Naxalite uniforms, multiple pouches, chargers, a standard battery, and Maoist literature.
Valuable Intelligence Inputs Expected from Seized Equipment
Officials believe that the electronic devices and communication tools recovered during the earlier operation could provide crucial intelligence regarding the movement, communication networks, and operational strategies of Maoist cadres active in the region.
The July 12 operation was led by BSF Assistant Commandant Ankush Kumar, along with senior officers including Inspectors Nirmal Jangde and Anuj Kumar, Sub-Inspectors Naveen Prakash and Saurabh Yadav, and DRG team commander Assistant Sub-Inspector Narendra Netam.
Security Forces Intensify Operations in Maoist-Affected Areas
Authorities have reiterated that coordinated search and combing operations will continue across Maoist-affected border regions. The recent recoveries highlight both the continued attempts by Maoist groups to maintain their presence and the increasing effectiveness of security forces in dismantling their infrastructure.
Police officials emphasised that sustained pressure through joint operations is crucial to restoring peace and strengthening security in the region, particularly in sensitive border areas of the Bastar division.
