Huge cache of weapons seized from Mao camp during anti-Maoist operations in Kandhamal

Baliguda: A huge cache of weapons and materials including 13 rifles, and walkie-talkies were seized during a major combing operation carried out by security forces under the anti-Maoist operations in the Gangeri forest in Baliguda police limits of Kandhamal district on Friday.

The combing operation was carried out by Odisha Police along with central armed forces including the CRPF and BSF. The security forces found a Maoist camp and seized as many as 13 rifles, walkie-talkie sets, solar panels, electric wires, and Maoist-related materials.

According to sources, as many as 13 firearms were recovered along with several walkie-talkie sets, solar panels, electric wires, medicines and other  supplies. The seizure points to the presence of an active Maoist base in the dense forest area.

The operation was initiated following intelligence inputs suggesting that several hardcore Maoists were hiding in the border forests.

The security forces have intensified the search operation in mao-infested area in an effort to make Odisha Maoist-free by March end this year. The combing operation is currently underway in Gangel forest area along the Kandhamal–Kalahandi border.