Malkangiri: Security forces on Wednesday unearthed a Maoist arms dump in the forest areas under Mathili police limits of Odisha’s Malkangiri district along the border with Chhattisgarh.
Acting on information obtained from surrendered ultras, the District Voluntary Force (DVF) launched a search operation in Cherkotla, Kirmiti, Kotwapadar, and Kadbhata forests early in the morning.
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.
Malkangiri Superintendent of Police Vinod said Malkangiri was declared Maoist free by March 31, 2026. Between January 2025 and March 2026, two Maoists were arrested and 23 surrendered.
The latest seizure marks the fourth major dump recovery in recent months, following three similar seizures in June.