Security forces have made a significant breakthrough in the fight against Left-Wing Extremism by uncovering a large stash of explosives and bomb-making materials in the dense Dhekunpani forest along the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border. The recovery, which included 70 gelatin sticks, steel containers for making ‘tiffin bombs’, and electronic wires for detonation circuits, has averted a potential major terror attack in the region. The operation, led by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) based in Odisha’s Nuapada district, was executed following specific intelligence on suspicious Naxal activities.
The Dhekunpani forest, situated near the Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary, has been a historical hotspot for Naxal activities due to its challenging terrain and proximity to Gariaband district in Chhattisgarh. Officials believe that the seized materials were intended for targeting security force vehicles or orchestrating a large-scale Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack in the sensitive border area. This timely intervention has thwarted a major conspiracy to instill fear and disrupt anti-Naxal operations in the region.
Experts highlight that the Sunabeda sanctuary and its adjacent forests have long served as Maoist hideouts, although recent efforts have declared the area mostly Maoist-free, allowing a shift towards wildlife conservation and development. Following the seizure, joint teams of Komna police and CRPF have intensified patrols and search operations in Dhekunpani and surrounding forests to root out any remaining threats. Enhanced security measures, including increased vigilance at border police stations, have been implemented to forestall any retaliatory actions or fresh attempts by Naxal elements.
Senior CRPF officials commend the vigilance and swift response of the security forces, underscoring the efficacy of coordinated operations between Central and state forces. Such seizures significantly undermine the logistical capabilities of Naxals, reinforcing the commitment to combat Left-Wing Extremism in the region.
