Post gunbattle, search operation leads to recovery of large cache of explosives

Raipur: Security forces achieved a significant breakthrough during a fierce encounter with Maoists in forests of Abujhmarh, in Narayanpur district of Bastar division. Following the gun battle, an extensive search operation led to the recovery of a large cache of materials used in insurgent activities.

According to officials, the forces seized Rs 6 lakh cash, 11 laptops, 50 kilograms of explosive material, 20 liters of petrol (in two containers), two pressure cooker bombs, a large quantity of live cartridges, various electronic devices and medical supplies.

The discovery was made by a joint team of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and the 41st battalion of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). The team had been deployed from the Padamkot police camp as part of an ongoing anti-Naxal operation that began four days ago.

During today's operation, the joint team came under sudden attack by Maoists. However, faced with overwhelming resistance from the well-prepared security forces, the insurgents retreated deeper into the forest, using the terrain as cover, official said.

Authorities believe the seized items were part of a larger Maoist supply network intended for use in future attacks. The recovery of laptops and cash suggests possible links to logistical and communication operations of the insurgent group.

The operation marks another step forward in the ongoing crackdown against left-wing extremism in the state's remote forest regions. Search efforts and combing operations in the surrounding areas are still ongoing.

Bastar range IG P Sundarraj said, "In early 2025 itself, security forces have delivered serious blows to the leadership of Maoist outfits, including DKSZC, DVC, ACM, and lower-level cadres. The outlawed CPI (Maoist) has no option left but to surrender. Continued violence will only lead to further consequences."