Malkangiri, July 25: Security forces have recovered a major Maoist arms and explosives dump during a joint search operation in Odisha's Malkangiri district, prompting intensified anti-Naxal combing operations in the region.

The cache was unearthed in the Orapadar forest under the Jodamba police station limits in the Swabhiman Anchal of Chitrakonda during a joint search operation conducted by the Border Security Force (BSF) and the District Voluntary Force (DVF).

According to police, the recovered materials include 32 gelatin sticks, 11 detonators, 500 grams of gunpowder, three metres of Codex wire, a solar panel, a battery-operated radio and electric wires. Officials believe the explosives and equipment were stockpiled by Maoists for use in future operations.

Following the recovery, security forces have intensified combing and area domination exercises in the forested region. Police are carrying out extensive searches to ascertain whether Maoist cadres are still operating in the Swabhiman Anchal, once considered a stronghold of Left Wing Extremists.

Officials said the recovery is a significant success in the ongoing anti-Maoist campaign and reaffirmed that search operations will continue to dismantle insurgent infrastructure and ensure security in the remote border areas of Malkangiri district.