Illegal Gun-Making Unit Busted in Kandhamal Forest, Maoist Link Suspected

Phulbani: Security forces have uncovered an illegal country-made gun repair and manufacturing unit during a combing operation in the forested area near Panaspadar village under Brahmanigaon police limits in Kandhamal district.

The operation was carried out on Sunday under the leadership of BSF Inspector Manish Kumar Suman. During the raid, personnel seized two country-made firearms along with various tools and equipment used for the fabrication and repair of weapons. However, no individuals were found at the site.

Despite conducting extensive search operations in the surrounding forest areas, security forces were unable to apprehend any suspects. Officials suspect that the unit may have been linked to Maoist operatives active in the region.

Sources revealed that Maoist activities in the area are allegedly being carried out under the leadership of Shukru, a state committee member of the KKBM Maoist division. He is believed to be operating from forest corridors spanning the borders of Kandhamal, Ganjam, Gajapati, and Rayagada districts.

Following the discovery, joint security operations have been intensified under the supervision of the Kandhamal Superintendent of Police. Personnel from the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), District Voluntary Force (DVF), and other units are engaged in coordinated combing and surveillance efforts.

Security agencies have particularly focused on the Darangbadi region along the Kandhamal-Ganjam border, where Shukru is suspected to be hiding. The intensified crackdown forms part of a broader strategy to eliminate Maoist presence and achieve a Maoist-free Kandhamal by March 31.