How Did Security Forces Arrest Six Maoists and Defuse an IED in Dantewada?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Six suspected Maoists were arrested in Dantewada.
- An IED was safely defused during the operation.
- The operation was a result of intelligence gathering.
- The arrested individuals have been charged under multiple legal provisions.
- The incident reflects ongoing efforts to combat left-wing extremism in India.
Raipur, Oct 11 (NationPress) In a major development amid India's enduring struggle against left-wing extremism, security forces in the Dantewada district of South Bastar apprehended six alleged Maoists and successfully defused an improvised explosive device (IED) that had been placed near Manganar Road. The operation, executed on Friday, highlights the escalating efforts to eliminate Maoist influence in the area, according to police officials.
“The detained individuals—five males and one female—tried to escape but were surrounded and captured. Upon interrogation at the scene, they admitted to their connections with Maoists and acknowledged their involvement in planting the IED intended to target police patrols,” stated Gaurav Rai, Superintendent of Police.
Responding to intelligence about suspicious individuals near Manganar Road, a collaborative team from Barsoor Police Station, District Reserve Guard (DRG), and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) conducted a swift operation led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Jitendra Kumbhakar and Inspector Sanjay Ursa.
The apprehended individuals include Anil a.k.a. Kachanu Salam (30), a notorious figure from Nendu Waya, Kondagaon, linked to numerous serious crimes; including the planting of an IED near Dudma Nala, the murder of Samanth Kashyap in 2024, and other killings in Todma forest in 2025, as well as incidents of arson involving tendu leaves (2023) and a tower (2024), and an IED explosion on Manganar Road (2023), along with a 2019 encounter.
Others involved are Jamuna a.k.a. Jayamati Mandavi (26) from Padanar, Bijapur; Sannu Ram Kashyap (20), Manish Kashyap (19), Hari Ram Kashyap (18), and Sularam Kashyap (22), all from Kahchanar under Malewahi Police Station, Bastar.
Items recovered during the operation include a 0.5 kg live pressure IED, a shovel, saber, and other materials associated with Maoist activities.
The IED was defused following safety protocols, preventing potential casualties.
Legal actions have commenced at Barsoor Police Station, charging the suspects under Sections 61(2)(a), 190, 191(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 4, 5 of the Explosive Substances Act.
The suspects have been presented in court for remand. In recent years, there has been a tactical shift towards remote violence, including IEDs, as Maoists face increasing pressure from security operations.
In 2025 alone, Dantewada has witnessed numerous surrenders—such as 71 cadres in September—and arrests, showcasing the success of rehabilitation programs like 'Lon Varratu' and ongoing anti-LWE campaigns.
Over decades, Maoists have claimed thousands of lives, particularly in states like Chhattisgarh, where tribal-dominated regions such as Dantewada have turned into hotspots for guerrilla warfare, IED attacks, and extortion.