Raipur/Bijapur, Dec 29 (NationPress) In a significant achievement against Left-Wing Extremism, a collaborative effort by personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force's 214 Battalion stationed at the Kandlaparti camp, along with local District forces, executed a search operation in the Kandlaparti region on December 28. This operation led to the discovery and neutralization of a Maoist-planted improvised explosive device (IED) alongside a substantial cache of insurgent materials, as reported by police officials.

During routine area surveillance and demining efforts in the Maoist-affected forests of Bijapur district, recognized as a hotspot in the Bastar region notorious for frequent ambushes and explosive traps, the team targeted a footpath near the Kandlaparti road. The vigilant team uncovered a 5-kilogram IED strategically positioned by Maoists to threaten patrolling security forces or civilians, police officials stated.

Following strict safety protocols, the CRPF's Bomb Disposal Team promptly neutralized the device on-site, preventing a potential disaster that could have resulted in significant casualties. The placement of the IED underscores the persistent danger posed by Maoists, who frequently deploy such pressure-triggered explosives to disrupt development activities and incite fear in remote communities. After the successful neutralization, the forces escalated their search in the surrounding dense forest, leading to the uncovering of a concealed Maoist cache.

The hidden stash contained various items intended to support insurgent operations and manufacture further explosives. Recovered materials included 20 firecrackers or crude bombs, a battery for a wireless set, mobile batteries and chargers, cordex wire with a pressure switch, electrical wires, assorted tools, tarpaulin sheets, Maoist uniforms, documents, literature, and other supplies critical for guerrilla activities.

Security officials characterized this recovery as a significant blow to Maoist strategies in the area, commending the vigilance, swift decision-making, and coordinated efforts of the joint team in averting what could have been a lethal strike. These caches are typically utilized by Maoists to store logistics for extended stays in the forests while planning ambushes or recruiting from local tribes.

This operation reflects the intensified anti-Naxal initiatives in Chhattisgarh, where new forward operating bases like Kandlaparti have been established to dominate key areas and support road construction and development. Ongoing search and area domination efforts aim to ensure enduring peace, secure villages, and encourage surrenders among remaining cadres.

This incident follows a series of recent achievements against Maoists in Bastar, demonstrating the security forces' dedication to eliminating insurgency and restoring normalcy to one of India's most challenging internal security landscapes.