Large stockpile of explosives seized from ‘cattle shed’ in Odisha’s Ganjam

A large cache of explosives was discovered hidden inside a cattle shed in Ganjam district during a routine vehicle inspection in Kandhamal on Saturday. The seizure was made following a coordinated operation between Tumudibandh police in Kandhamal and Chamakhundi police in Ganjam.

According to sources, the investigation began when Tumudibandh police intercepted a vehicle carrying detonators and blasting material during a road checking drive earlier this week. 

Preliminary questioning and subsequent leads revealed that the consignment had links to a storage point in Raghunathpur village under Chamakhundi police limits of Ganjam. Acting on this information, police teams conducted a raid in the area.

Cache Found in Cattle Shed

During the raid, officers discovered a significant quantity of detonators stocked inside a building that outwardly functioned as a cattle shed. Sources stated that the shed had been used as a cover to store explosives, which were believed to be meant for stone blasting activities.

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Detention and Ongoing Probe

One person has been detained from Raghunathpur area in connection with the illegal stockpile and is being interrogated to ascertain its source and intended use. Police are also probing whether the seized material was part of a wider network supplying blasting devices to stone quarries in southern Odisha.

Authorities Maintain Caution

While the police have not officially disclosed the total number of detonators recovered, officers at the site confirmed that the quantity is ‘substantial.’ Senior officials said that further details would be shared once the inventory process is complete and forensic examination of the seized material is conducted.

As of the last reports, police have intensified checks across Ganjam and Kandhamal to prevent further illegal movement of blasting material.