Police achieved a major breakthrough in Kandhamal district by seizing a huge cache of arms, ammunition, and Maoist materials during a combing operation in the Matabarhi forest under the Daringbadi region.
Officials confirmed the recovery of seven firearms, including one SLR rifle, one .303 rifle, two 12 mm bore rifles, two SBGLs, and one country-made gun. Along with these, police seized SLR and .303 magazines.
The operation also led to the recovery of 10 SBGL grenades, 30 electric detonators, five walkie-talkies, solar panels, torchlights, Maoist literature, and various medicines. Police described the seizure as a significant blow to the Naxal network operating in the region.
Teams from multiple units carried out the combing operation on Monday. Authorities said the recovery of such large quantities of weapons and explosives highlights the scale of Maoist activity in Kandhamal.
Senior officers, including SDPO Laxmi Narayan Marandi and Muribahal IIC Bulu Munda, supervised the operation. Police registered a case and confirmed that further investigation will continue to trace the network behind the seized materials.
