Maoist hideout busted in Odisha’s Niyamgiri forests

■ Huge quantity of explosives, ammunition seized

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans, on Saturday evening, busted a Maoist hideout at Niyamgiri hills near Tadijhola forest under Lanjigarh block in Kalahandi district and seized huge cache of explosives, arms and ammunition, and other Mao articles from the spot.

According to reports, the CRPF personnel launched a combing operation in the forest and seized huge quantities of explosives, two pistols, 35 gelatin sticks, 50 detonators, batteries, electric wires, ropes, urea tiffin boxes, 13 live bullets, and other incriminating materials with the help of sniffing dogs.

“A banner of CPI Maoist Baghuna Division was also recovered from the spot. It is suspected that the group could have hidden the arms and ammunition for possible ambushes,” said CRPF official Mitu Roy, adding that further investigation into the same is underway.

According to sources, the Maoists were staying in the area for the last few days and were planning for a big ambush on Independence Day and ‘Kranti Dibas,’ which was foiled by the security personnel.

Last week, security forces had stepped up operations across various districts, particularly along the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border, in the wake of the Maoists sponsored ‘Martyrs Week’ (Sahid Diwas) which was observed from July 28August 3.

In another development, a woman Maoist, on Sunday, surrendered before the Kandhamal police. Kanti Mallick, the Maoist rebel, was an active member of KKBN Division of Odisha State Committee.

Kanti will get monetary assistance as per the Surrender and Rehabilitation Scheme of the Odisha government.