Malkangiri police unearthed a large Maoist arms dump during a combing operation in Mathili police limits.
Acting on inputs from surrendered cadres, the District Voluntary Force (DVF) launched a search in Cherkotla, Kirmiti, Kotwapadar, and Kadbhata forests around 5:30 AM. The operation, close to Chhattisgarh’s Darbha and Pushpal police boundaries, led to the recovery of three country‑made guns, six improvised explosive devices (IEDs), two claymore mines, and other explosives.
Police also seized Maoist uniforms, banners, radio antennas, batteries, wires, knives, torches, bags, and daily‑use items. Officials suspect the cache belonged to cadres of the Andhra‑Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee (AOBSZC) and was intended to target security forces and civilians.
SP Vinod Patil shared details at a press briefing, noting that Malkangiri was declared Maoist‑free by March 31, 2026. Between January 2025 and March 2026, two Maoists were arrested and 23 surrendered. This marks the fourth major dump recovery in recent months, following three similar seizures in June.
Security forces continue combing operations to dismantle remaining Maoist networks and prevent resurgence in the border region.
