Bhubaneswar: Odisha Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans have achieved a significant breakthrough, recovering over 75% of four tons of explosives stolen by Maoist insurgents from a stone quarry in Sundargarh district.
The substantial recovery followed a fierce gunfight with the insurgents in a dense forest near the Odisha-Jharkhand border. Four tons of explosives were snatched away by Maoists and out of which three tons have been recovered.
The operation, lauded as a major success, saw security personnel engaging the Maoist cadre, who had recently looted the massive cache of explosives. The confrontation occurred in a remote, heavily forested area, highlighting the challenging terrain faced by the forces.
While details of the gunfight remain limited, sources indicate that the swift and decisive action by security forces prevented the insurgents from fully utilizing the stolen material for their nefarious activities. The recovery of such a large quantity of explosives deals a considerable blow to the Maoist’s operational capabilities in the region.
Authorities have commended the bravery and efficiency of the security forces involved in the operation. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the theft and to track down any remaining explosives or insurgents involved in the incident. The recovery underscores the continuous efforts by Odisha police and other security agencies to counter Maoist threats and maintain peace in the border areas.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has also taken over the probe and is working with Odisha and Jharkhand Police to track and recover the stolen explosives.