BARGARH: The District Voluntary Force (DVF) of Bargarh police recovered a cache of explosives and Maoist materials during a combing operation in Gandhamardhan reserve forest in Paikmal area.
Bargarh SP Prahalad Sahai Meena on Monday said the operation was launched on May 30 on the basis of credible intelligence inputs regarding movement of armed operatives of the banned CPI (Maoist) outfit in the dense forest.
As part of area domination exercise, the DVF team scoured suspected hideouts and recovered several items believed to have been used by Maoist operatives for subversive activities. The seizure list included a gelatin stick, 25 detonators, two bundles of wire, a radio set, stretchable ropes, red banner cloth and a range of daily-use materials including haversacks, tarpaulins, mosquito nets, utensils, clothing and Naxal literature.
“Recovery of these items is a result of sustained intelligence-based operations and increasing pressure on Maoist elements in the region. These seizures point to their dwindling capacities and mobility in the area,” said the SP.
Meena further said Odisha Police has been appealing to Maoist cadres to surrender and join the mainstream. “The enhanced police presence, community outreach and ongoing development work are contributing to the erosion of public support for Maoist activities,” he added.
Police said the operation has dealt a setback to the Maoists’ logistical supply and surveillance capabilities in the region. Investigation is underway to trace the movement of the ultras who abandoned their camp in the Gandhamardhan reserve forest.