Odisha-Jharkhand border sealed, NIA team at spot after 'Maoists' loot 4 tons of explosives

A day after suspected Maoists allegedly looted four tonnes of explosives from a truck in K. Balang area of Sundargarh district, police have ramped up operations and intensified their response following intelligence inputs that Naxals based in Jharkhand may have carried out the heist.

According to reports, security officials have sealed the Odisha-Jharkhand border and launched a large-scale combing operation in the dense forests around the interstate boundary. As of the latest reports, this search-and-scan operation was still underway.

High-Level Police Meeting in Rourkela

On Wednesday, Odisha DGP YB Khurania chaired a high-level strategy meeting at the Rourkela SP office, joined by senior officers including Northern Range IG Himanshu Lal, Western Range DIG Brijesh Rai, and Rourkela SP Nitesh Wadhwani. Officials from Jharkhand Police were also present to coordinate joint efforts, added reports.

The meeting focused on tightening security along vulnerable points, coordinating real-time intelligence, and ensuring that extremist elements do not transport the stolen materials beyond regional borders.

On Thursday, a team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) also reached the spot to spearhead the combing operations.

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Truck Found, Explosives Still Missing

Following the loot on Tuesday, the truck was traced and recovered, but the explosives remained unaccounted for. Investigators suspect the explosives may be hidden in forest zones or redistributed in smaller quantities.

The looted material, involving nearly 4 tonnes of explosives, was reportedly being transported to a mining site near Banko when it was intercepted by an armed group of over 30 individuals.

Suspicion Deepens Around Maoist Role

Police sources continue to point toward Jharkhand-based Maoist involvement, although no group has claimed responsibility yet. The truck driver has been questioned, but discrepancies in his account have complicated the probe.

Regional Alert and Preventive Measures

Security alerts have been issued across Sundargarh and adjoining districts. Mining companies have been advised to strengthen their logistics security, and all vehicles carrying explosive material are being monitored closely.

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The incident has raised alarm across security circles and is being seen as a possible sign of increasing Maoist activity in western Odisha.