In a notable advancement in the ongoing battle against Left-Wing Extremism, security forces have uncovered a substantial cache of explosives and bomb-making materials in the dense Dhekunpani forest along the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border, effectively preventing a potential major terror attack in the area.
A team from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), based at the Komna police camp in Odisha’s Nuapada district, conducted a joint search operation following specific intelligence regarding suspicious Naxal activities.
The operation focused on the rugged terrain of the Dhekunpani forest, located near the Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary, an area historically utilized by Naxals due to its difficult geography and closeness to Gariaband district in Chhattisgarh.
During an extensive search deep within the forest, the troops discovered 70 gelatin sticks, a high-explosive material commonly used by Naxals for IED blasts, along with three steel containers typically used to create deadly ‘tiffin bombs’, and four bundles of electronic wires intended for assembling remote-controlled detonation circuits.
Officials believe these materials were aimed at targeting security force vehicles or executing a large-scale Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack in the sensitive border area.
This timely recovery has thwarted a significant conspiracy aimed at instilling terror and disrupting anti-Naxal operations.
Security experts have noted that the Sunabeda sanctuary and its surrounding forests have historically served as hideouts for Maoists, although the area was recently declared largely free of Maoist influence, allowing for renewed efforts in wildlife conservation and development.
In the aftermath of the seizure, joint teams from the Komna police and CRPF have ramped up patrolling and search operations across suspected hideouts in Dhekunpani and the adjacent forests.
Stringent security measures, including increased alerts at border police stations, have been implemented to deter any retaliatory actions or fresh attempts by remaining Naxal elements.
Senior CRPF officials stated that the vigilance and swift action by personnel, acting on reliable intelligence, have once again highlighted the success of coordinated operations between Central and state forces. Such recoveries significantly undermine the logistical capabilities of Naxals.
