Security forces busted a Maoist camp in the forest near Raksapathra village in Gariaband district on Sunday, along the Odisha–Chhattisgarh border. A large quantity of raw materials used by Maoists to make improvised explosive devices (IEDs) has been seized from the spot. The operation marks a major breakthrough in the ongoing anti-Maoist campaign in the region.

As per sources, the camp was detected during a combing operation carried out jointly by the Gariaband police operations team, E-30 unit, Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) and personnel from the 65th Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). 

During the search, the team recovered several items, including a cooker, electrical switches, injections, medicines and a significant amount of explosive materials. Police believe the seized items were intended for assembling IEDs to target security personnel and disrupt operations in the area.

Push to Eliminate Maoist Presence by 2026

The latest bust comes as the BJP government has reiterated its aim to make India completely Maoist-free by 2026. Security forces in several states, including Odisha and Chhattisgarh, have intensified operations to dismantle Maoist camps and intercept arms supplies in recent months.

Similar Operation in Malkangiri Last Month

In a related development, security forces in Malkangiri district unearthed a large Maoist arms and explosives dump during a joint search operation on September 24, averting what police said could have been a major attack on security personnel. 

Also Read: Maoist bastions crumble as 16 rebels surrender near Odisha border

According to reports, the Border Security Force (BSF) and the District Voluntary Force (DVF) of Odisha Police conducted the operation in the Dayalatang and Elkanur forests under Kalimela block’s Bejangwada reserve forest. During the search, the forces recovered a hidden Maoist stockpile containing explosives and equipment used to assemble IEDs.