What Explosives Were Looted by Maoists in Odisha and Recovered from Jharkhand’s Saranda Forest?
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Synopsis
In a recent operation, police forces from Jharkhand and Odisha have made a significant recovery of 2.5 tonnes of explosives looted by Maoists. This joint effort underscores ongoing security challenges in the Saranda forest region. Discover the details of this breakthrough and its implications for regional safety.
Key Takeaways
- 2.5 tonnes of explosives recovered in joint operation.
- Explosives were stolen from a quarry in Odisha.
- Maoists still possess approximately two tonnes of explosives.
- Joint operation involved multiple police forces.
- Landmine blasts have claimed lives of security personnel and civilians.
Chaibasa (Jharkhand), June 3 (NationPress) In a significant achievement, police from Jharkhand and Odisha, along with central security forces, have successfully retrieved 2.5 tonnes of explosives during a coordinated operation in the Saranda forest of West Singhbhum district, officials announced on Tuesday.
The explosives were part of a stockpile stolen by Maoists on May 27 from a stone quarry situated in Relahatu Yanko, under the jurisdiction of Keblang police station in Odisha's Sundargarh district.
On May 30, a previous operation resulted in the recovery of 150 kg of the pilfered explosives from the Tirilposhi region within the Saranda forest.
Officials indicated that approximately two tonnes of explosives are still under Maoist control, prompting an extensive search operation.
The armed Maoist group had previously intercepted a vehicle loaded with explosives en route to a quarry, redirecting it into the dense Saranda forest, where they unloaded around 200 packets of explosives.
This incident has heightened alertness in both Odisha and Jharkhand. In addition to police actions, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has initiated an investigation, while the Odisha Police has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to delve into the matter.
Police sources revealed that a substantial amount of the stolen explosives has been buried by the Maoists in the Tirilposhi area, under the Jaraikela police station. The recovery was accomplished through a collaborative operation involving Jharkhand Police, CRPF, Cobra Battalion, and Odisha Police.
The Rourkela Police of Odisha confirmed the recovery via a post on its official social media account.
The vast Saranda forest continues to act as a principal hideout for Maoists. Nonetheless, persistent counterinsurgency measures over the last two years have forced the extremists into smaller segments of the area.
Maoists frequently plant explosives along forest paths to ambush police and paramilitary personnel. Over the last two years, at least four security personnel and more than ten civilians have fallen victim to such landmine explosions.
Point of View
The recovery of explosives by police forces signifies a critical juncture in addressing the ongoing Maoist insurgency. It highlights the collaboration between states and central forces, emphasizing the importance of sustained efforts in counterinsurgency operations. The recovery represents a proactive step towards enhancing security in the region, showcasing the commitment to uphold law and order.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the amount of explosives recovered?
A total of 2.5 tonnes of explosives were recovered during the joint operation.
Where were the explosives originally looted from?
The explosives were taken from a stone quarry located in Odisha's Sundargarh district.
How many explosives remain in Maoist possession?
Approximately two tonnes of explosives are still believed to be in the possession of the Maoists.
Which police forces were involved in the operation?
The operation involved Jharkhand Police, CRPF, Cobra Battalion, and Odisha Police.
What has been the consequence of landmine blasts in the region?
Landmine blasts have resulted in the deaths of at least four security personnel and over ten civilians in the past two years.
