Phulbani, June 13: A major Maoist attack was averted after the Border Security Force (BSF) recovered a large cache of explosives during a combing operation in the dense forests near Khamankhol under the Baliguda police limits of Kandhamal district.
According to officials, jawans of the BSF’s 136th Battalion were conducting an independent combing operation following intelligence reports of increased Maoist activity in the hilly and forested terrain of the region. During the operation, BSF personnel spotted a stone marked with white paint early Thursday morning, prompting further investigation.
Upon closer inspection, the troops discovered hidden cooking utensils near the marked stone, raising suspicion. A subsequent thorough search of the area led to the unearthing of explosives buried underground.
Items seized from the location included: 8 detonators, 9 explosives wrapped in aluminum foil, 1 power bank, 10 meters of electric cable, 2 twelve-volt batteries, 1 tiffin box, 1 shoe.
BSF IG Avtar Singh stated that the use of aluminum foil and the concealment of items indicate that Maoists may have been preparing for an imminent attack. While no Maoist operatives were found at the site, the discovery confirms their possible presence and activities in the area.
The seized materials have been handed over to Baliguda police station for further investigation. In the wake of the recovery, BSF units in Kandhamal and the neighbouring Malkangiri district have been placed on high alert. Search and surveillance operations continue in the affected areas as security forces remain vigilant to thwart any potential threats.
