Suspected Maoist involvement surfaces in armed dacoity in Sundargarh near Odisha-Jharkhand border

A major loot incident in Sundargarh district has raised fresh concerns over Maoist involvement in the Odisha-Jharkhand border region, which remains a long-standing hotspot of extremist activity.

The concerns surfaced as seven to eight armed and masked men stormed a house and a ration shop near Banko stone quarry under Keblang police station limits late on Tuesday night.

The miscreants allegedly looted cash, ration supplies, and gold ornaments belonging to local trader Puniya Ray and his family. Preliminary investigations suggest possible Maoist links, though police are yet to confirm whether the crime was a case of dacoity or an extremist operation.

Past Incidents Raise Doubts

According to reports, the area has witnessed Maoist activity in the recent past. On May 27 this year, around 5,000 kilograms of explosives were looted by Maoists from the nearby Banko stone quarry.

Following that incident, suspicion also fell on members of the Ray family, with Puniya Ray’s son Manoj briefly picked up by K Belang police for questioning over alleged Maoist links.

The latest incident, involving essential supplies and personal valuables, has revived debate among residents and officials. Some believe it bears the hallmarks of Maoist involvement, aimed at both sustaining cadres and intimidating locals, while others view it as a straightforward act of armed robbery.

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Security Vacuum And Border Risk

The timing of the loot has also triggered discussion in local circles. The incident occurred shortly after Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) units were redeployed to Topadihi, a sensitive area near the Odisha-Jharkhand border that has long been considered a Maoist stronghold.

Locals now fear that the absence of a permanent camp in the immediate vicinity has emboldened armed groups to strike again.

Meanwhile, police have launched a probe to determine whether Maoist cadres were directly behind the attack or if criminal gangs are exploiting the climate of fear to carry out robberies under the guise of extremism. As of the last reports, police have yet to offer any comments regarding the loot and the suspected Maoist involvement.