Security forces discovered an illegal country-made gun repair and manufacturing unit during a combing operation in Kandhamal district of Odisha.
The unit was unearthed near Panaspadar village under Brahmanigaon police limits on Sunday.
The operation, led by BSF Inspector Manish Kumar Suman, resulted in the seizure of two country-made firearms and equipment used for weapon manufacturing. No arrests were made, and no Maoist operatives were found at the site.
Authorities launched extensive searches in nearby forest areas but did not apprehend any suspects. Security personnel have intensified combing operations in the region, suspecting Maoist involvement.
Sources indicated Maoist activities continue under the leadership of Shukru, a state committee member of the KKBM Mao division. He is believed to be hiding in forest areas along the borders of Kandhamal, Ganjam, Gajapati, and Rayagada districts.
Joint teams comprising BSF, CRPF, DVF, and other security forces have ramped up operations under the supervision of the Kandhamal SP. The target is to make Kandhamal Maoist-free by March 31. Special focus remains on the Darangbadi region along the Kandhamal-Ganjam border, where Shukru is suspected to be hiding.
