BSF and Odisha police recovered a significant cache of Maoist arms and explosives in Malkangiri district. The joint operation, acting on intelligence, unearthed an improvised directional mine, pistol, cartridges, gelatin sticks, and literature from a remote rock cave. This seizure marks a major setback for Maoist plans in the region.

Koraput: A large cache of Maoist arms and explosives were recovered during a joint operation by BSF and Odisha police in Malkangiri district on Sunday.Officials said the operation, carried out by COB (company operating base) Bodigetta of BSF's 142 Battalion along with state police, led to the recovery of arms, ammunition and Maoist materials from a remote and rebel-affected area under Kalimela police station limits.A BSF release said that acting on specific intelligence inputs, the joint team trekked through rugged terrain and reached the location near Goregandi village. Using specialised equipment, the personnel conducted an extensive search and recovered the materials from beneath a rock cave near Dulagandi village in Bejangiwada reserve forest under Kurmanur gram panchayat.The seized items include an improvised directional mine, a pistol, 150 live 7.62 mm cartridges, 110 gelatin sticks, 2 electronic trumpets, a sensor and Maoist literature, among other materials.A senior police officer in Malkangiri said the Maoists likely stored the explosives to retrieve and use them later against security forces. He added that continuous operations in Maoist-affected pockets have significantly weakened the capabilities of rebels."The latest seizure is a major setback to Maoist plans, especially their attempts to store IED-making materials and weapons in remote hideouts," the officer said.Once a Maoist stronghold, Malkangiri has seen increased area domination by the BSF and state police in recent years, resulting in restricted rebel movement. The BSF release stated that combing and search operations have been intensified following the recovery to ensure the safety of both security forces and civilians.