Malkangiri: In a major breakthrough, a joint team of SOG and DVF personnel traced a gun-making factory run by Maoists in Tekguda forest under Kalimela police limits on Thursday.
Speaking to mediapersons, Malkangiri SP Mitrabhanu Mohapatra said that four guns, a lathe unit, nine tiffin bombs, pressure mine and gelatin were seized from the gun factory.
Besides, explosives and huge volumes of raw materials used in making splinters were seized during the operation.
Further, the SP stated the operation was launched in Tekguda forest on the basis of intelligence-based report. The security forces were informed about presence of a mobile arms and explosive manufacturing unit in the forest.
However, Maoists managed to escape from the spot taking advantage of the forest cover.
Security personnel have intensified their combing operations in the forest following the raid on the gun factory.
Source said the gun-making factory, which was being run by the naxals, is suspected to be set up to manufacture more guns to train new people for Maoist-related activities.