Chhattisgarh, Dec 22: In a major success against Maoist activity, security forces have uncovered a large cache of explosives and weapons in a hideout located in the remote Dadipani hilly area of Chhattisgarh’s Gariyaband district. The discovery, made during a search operation between December 19 and 20, is a significant blow to the Maoist insurgency.

The operation, carried out by a joint team of the Gariyaband E-30 unit, Special Task Force (STF), CoBRA Battalion, Chhattisgarh Armed Force (CAF), and CRPF, was launched after intelligence indicated that Naxalites from the Maoist DGN Division had stored a dangerous arsenal for attacks on security forces. The location, about 65 km from Gariyaband district headquarters and near the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border, was carefully combed by forces through dense forests and rocky terrain.

Recovered items include a company-made mortar, 22 mortar shells, 150 detonators, 18 arrow bombs, and various materials used to make improvised explosive devices (IEDs). These deadly weapons were hidden in plastic drums and steel containers, concealed among rocks.

The recovery has been hailed as a major achievement in the fight against Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) and comes as a result of diligent intelligence gathering and coordinated operations. Following the discovery, forces have intensified search operations to prevent any resurgence of Maoist activity in the area and to locate other potential hideouts.

The operation highlights the ongoing threat posed by Maoist tactics in Chhattisgarh’s forests, underscoring the challenges in the region as security forces continue to work towards an LWE-free state.