Acting on specific intelligence inputs regarding the presence of concealed Maoist materials, Kandhamal Police launched a multi-party search operation across the Sitagurha, Ganjugurha, Kutibarhi, Gudrikya and Lanjam areas under Kotagarh, Baliguda and Tumudibandha Police Stations on 16 June 2026.
The operation involved two Special Operations Group (SOG) teams and one District Voluntary Force (DVF) team. During the intensive search, police teams detected concealed Maoist dump sites within the jurisdiction of Kotagarh Police Station.
Following the discovery, the Bomb Disposal Squad carried out a systematic search of the area after adopting all necessary safety precautions to rule out the possibility of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). The operation led to the successful recovery of a significant cache of Maoist materials, including firearms, ammunition, explosive components and other logistical supplies.
The recovered items included one .303 rifle, two 12-bore guns, two single-shot guns, one 8 mm gun with wooden butt, one .303 magazine, 18 rounds of .303 ammunition, 10 rounds of 12-bore cartridges, 35 rounds of 8 mm ammunition, 10 metres of codex wire, five electric detonators, as well as various articles of daily use and field equipment.
Police have confirmed that the recovered weapons, explosives and other incriminating materials belonged to Maoist cadres. Although Kandhamal district achieved its target of becoming completely Naxal-free by 31 March 2026, as envisaged under the national anti-Naxal strategy, security forces continue to recover old Maoist dumps concealed in remote forest areas.
Regular area domination and combing operations are being conducted jointly by SOG, DVF, CRPF and BSF personnel to locate hidden caches of arms and explosives, prevent any resurgence of Maoist activity and ensure lasting peace and security in the region.
The recovery highlights the continued vigilance and operational preparedness of security forces in safeguarding the district against residual extremist threats.
