In a crucial operation, security forces recently uncovered a substantial cache of explosives and equipment used to construct barrel grenade launchers (BGLs) within a Maoist hideout in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district. This significant find was confirmed by police on Tuesday.
This latest success follows a major 21-day anti-Maoist operation conducted earlier this year (April-May) on the Karregutta hills, situated near the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border. That extensive offensive resulted in the elimination of 31 Maoists in various encounters, alongside the seizure of approximately 35 firearms and 450 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
The recent discovery was made during a search operation initiated on Monday by a joint team comprising personnel from several Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) battalions, including the elite CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) unit. The team embarked from the Tadpala base camp, meticulously combing the dense forest areas at the base of the Karregutta hills, according to a police official.
During their thorough search, the security personnel unearthed a substantial quantity of explosive materials and components specifically used for manufacturing BGLs, all cleverly hidden by the Maoists. The impressive haul included 51 live BGL shells, 100 bundles of high-tension (HT) aluminium wire, a significant amount of electric wire, 50 steel pipes, and 20 iron sheets along with 40 iron plates, all designated for BGL production.
Further enhancing the mission’s impact, the forces, supported by a specialized Bomb Disposal Squad, successfully located and defused five pressure-activated Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) that had been strategically planted by Maoists to target security personnel. This decisive action effectively disrupted the Maoists’ malicious plans. All security personnel concluded their search operations and returned safely to their base.
Authorities have confirmed that ongoing patrolling and extensive search operations are continuing throughout the region to maintain security and prevent further militant activity.