Nuapada: The CRPF jawans averted a major mishap on Friday by diffusing a landmine, weighing 5.5 kg, allegedly planted by Maoists near Cherchuan check gate under Sunabeda wildlife sanctuary in Odisha’s Nuapada district.
This came close on the heels of the recovery of a huge cache of explosives dumped in Kadalibandha forest in Odisha’s Malkangiri district on February 23.
Also Read: ‘Possible’ Maoist Attack Foiled In Odisha’s Malkangiri
According to sources, the landmine was planted on the road, connecting Barkot with Sunabeda and other areas, which is mostly used by civilians, government officials as well as security personnel.
“Following information about the presence of some suspicious objects, the area was immediately cordoned off and security personnel along with bomb disposal squad deployed,” said Commandant, 216 CRPF, Rajesh Vatsa.
Since splinters were used, it is suspected that the Maoists had planted the explosive to target security forces and others, he added.
An IED weighing 5.5 kg along with detonators was seized from the spot.
“Search operation in the area has been intensified and will continue for another two to three days,” he added.
According to Intel, the Maoists in Chhattishgarh and Odisha are getting their share of explosives from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
“The Maoists get hold of explosives through the owners of stone crusher plants in Chhattisgarh and Odisha borders. Since they do not have explosives’ dealers in their states, stone crusher owners purchase the same from the two Telugu states,” a police officer was quoted as saying by The New Indian Express.
Explosive materials reach the neighbouring states from Hyderabad and its surrounding areas, via Khammam and Bhadrachalam towns, the report added.
