Odisha forms SIT to investigate explosives theft by Maoists in Sundargarh

A day after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) was entrusted to probe the high-profile explosive loot by Maoists in Odisha’s Sundargarh district, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was set up on Friday to investigate the matter.

The team, which will be headed by an Additional Superintendent of Police, includes four members, confirmed Superintendent of Police,  Nitesh Wadhwani.

Robbery Details and Security Measures

On Tuesday, reports revealed that Maoist insurgents hijacked a truck and made off with a large cache of commercial explosives. According to preliminary findings, the truck carrying the explosives was en route to a stone quarry in the Banko area when it was intercepted near a forest stretch on Tuesday.

As per reports, the insurgents have absconded with four tonnes of explosive material from the region surrounding the K. Balang Police Station. Despite concerted efforts, security forces have yet to recover the stolen items. 

In response, enforcement agencies in Odisha have ramped up surveillance, with immediate cooperation from their counterparts in West Bengal and Jharkhand. In a bid to thwart the cross-border movement of the explosive material, border security has been intensified.

Broader Investigation Underway

Moreover, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has also initiated its inquiry, working alongside local forces to ensure a swift resolution. The incident has heightened concerns over regional security, prompting a significant focus on curbing future occurrences.

While Odisha Police has already launched combing operations and sealed the border with Jharkhand, the involvement of NIA and SIT indicates that the matter is now being viewed through the lens of national security.

Intelligence officials fear that if the looted explosives, reportedly 150 packets of gelatin sticks, fall into Maoist hands, they could be used to fuel attacks, particularly at a time when the insurgents are in backtrack in neighbouring Jharkhand.