Key facts
- Odisha police seized a large cache of arms and ammunition in Malkangiri district.
Odisha police recovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition, including carbines, rocket launchers, and grenade launchers, during a search operation in Malkangiri district. The recovery, based on intelligence from surrendered Maoists, aims to prevent the resurgence of extremist activities.
The seizure of a large arms cache and ongoing security operations aim to disrupt and prevent the resurgence of Maoist activities in Odisha, contributing to regional stability and security.
Odisha police have recovered a substantial cache of arms and ammunition during a search operation in the Silakota forest area of Malkangiri district. The recovery, made by the District Voluntary Force (DVF) based on intelligence from surrendered Maoists, included multiple firearms, rocket launchers, grenade launchers, and equipment used for weapon manufacturing. Solar panels and other logistical items were also seized.
Similar caches of arms and explosives have been recovered in other parts of Odisha in early June, including in the Kirmitti and Katuapadar forest areas and the Dhepagurha Reserve Forest. These recoveries are attributed to intelligence gathered from Maoists who have surrendered to the authorities. In Rayagada district alone, 16 Maoists, including state committee members Nikhil and Indu, surrendered between January 2025 and March 31, 2026.
Officials stated that regular combing and search operations by security agencies are ongoing in vulnerable areas to detect and destroy Maoist dumps and prevent any revival of extremist activities. Superintendent of Police Vinod Patil H noted that while the district has largely been freed from Maoist activity, some hidden dumps may still exist in forested regions.