Maoist camp busted in Bolangir District, massive explosives seized

A Maoist camp was busted in the Khaprakhol and Tureikela police station areas of Bolangir district. A special team comprising police personnel, District Voluntary Force (DVF), and Special Operations Group (SOG) jointly conducted a raid and successfully dismantled the camp. 

As per sources, acting on specific information about Maoist presence in the Gandhamardan Hills under Khaprakhol police station and the Chhatradandi forest under Tureikela police station, security forces carried out the operation.

Maoists Moving Towards Odisha Post Chhattisgarh Raids

According to Northern Range IG Himanshu Lal and Bolangir SP Avilash G, recent strikes on Maoists and their camps in Chhattisgarh under ‘Operation Black Forest’ have pushed them to seek refuge in Odisha. The Maoists are viewing Odisha as a safer alternative and have started moving into the state.

Strategic Corridor Through Forest Routes

The combing operation conducted on Thursday in the Gandhamardan Reserve was due to reported Maoist activities. The Gandhamardan area of Khaprakhol and Chhatradandi Reserve Forest in Tureikela are believed to be communication routes for Maoist operatives. The Bolangir-Bargarh-Mahasamund (BBM) division forms part of the corridor used by Maoists to move along the jungle terrain of Chhattisgarh.

Explosives Point to Major Plot

Following the movement of Maoists into the area, Bolangir police received specific intelligence and responded accordingly. A special unit of Bolangir police, in collaboration with DVF and SOG, conducted a joint raid to apprehend the Maoists. However, they received a tip-off about the raid and fled the scene before the security forces arrived, reportedly. Nonetheless, the police discovered a Maoist camp and seized a massive quantity of explosives in the Chhatradandi forest under Tureikela.

Northern Range IG Himanshu Lal confirmed that a huge cache of explosives was recovered. 

This discovery indicates that the Maoists were planning a major attack. However, no casualties have been reported.

Official Briefing Scheduled for May 16, 2025

A detailed briefing will be given by Bolangir police at 11:30 am on May 16, led by SP Avilash G.