Security forces in Chhattisgarh have recovered a large cache of weapons and explosive materials concealed by Maoists in the forested hill ranges near the Odisha border in Gariaband district. The seizure was made after a 36-hour intensive search operation carried out by the district police’s elite E-30 Operations Team.
The operation was conducted in the Bhaludiggi and Metal hill ranges under the Mainpur police station limits, an area known for past Maoist movement. Acting on intelligence inputs, the E-30 team searched six different locations and uncovered automatic weapons, BGL shells, and equipment used for manufacturing and repairing arms.
Intelligence from Surrendered Maoists Led to Operation
Police officials said the breakthrough came after questioning former Maoists who returned to the mainstream in January 2026. The interrogation revealed that the top leadership of the banned CPI (Maoist) Odisha State Committee had hidden a weapons dump in the border hills. Based on this information, the operation was launched on February 6, 2026, resulting in a major success.
Weapons, Ammunition, and Workshop Equipment Seized
During the search, police recovered two INSAS rifles, one .303 rifle, one country-made pistol, one locally fabricated BGL launcher, two 12-bore weapons, two single-shot firearms, along with 127 live cartridges, eight magazines, and 22 BGL shells. A bundle of electric wires and multiple tools linked to a weapons workshop were also seized.
According to police, the recovered materials indicate that Maoists had established a technical unit in the area responsible for manufacturing improvised explosive devices (IEDs), producing country-made weapons, and repairing automatic firearms under the direction of senior leaders.
Major Boost to Anti-Naxal Campaign
The recovery forms a key achievement under ‘Operation Virat’, an anti-Maoist drive being carried out by Gariaband police for the past one-and-a-half years. Officials stated that before January 26, 2026, all listed active Maoists operating in the Dhamtari–Gariaband–Nuapada division were either neutralised or persuaded to surrender.
With the dismantling of this weapons cache, authorities believe the possibility of Maoist violence in the region has been significantly reduced, strengthening peace and security along the inter-state border.
Police Commend Team Efforts
The Superintendent of Police, Gariaband, termed the operation a major milestone in restoring law and order in the district. He praised the coordinated efforts of the E-30 team and other security personnel involved in the mission.
Police data shows that during 2025–26, authorities in the district have recovered 57 weapons, over 300 rounds of ammunition, and 21 magazines, including 28 automatic firearms. In addition, 240 electric detonators, 17 non-electric detonators, seven IEDs, and nearly 100 metres of cordex wire have also been seized.
Officials said the latest recovery has dealt a serious blow to Maoist operational capabilities and exposed their hidden arms manufacturing network in the region.
