Koraput: A team of District Voluntary Force on Wednesday unearthed a major Maoist dump containing arms, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), explosives and other incriminating materials during a search operation in a forested area along Odisha-Chhattisgarh border in Malkangiri district. The dump was recovered around 5.30 am from the forest areas of Cherkotla, Kirmiti, Kotwapadar and Kadabhata under Mathili police station limits, following information obtained during the interrogation of surrendered Maoists, police said.Malkangiri SP Vinod Patil said the seized materials were suspected to have been kept by the Maoist cadres of Andhra-Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee for carrying out attacks against civilians and security forces.According to the SP, the seized items included three country-made guns, five IEDs weighing between 2kg and 5kg, two claymore mines, two IEDs in shop cases, a bundle of codex wire, batteries and other materials, including Maoist banners, an olive-green uniform, a radio antenna, knives, torches and bags.Malkangiri was declared Naxal-free on March 31 as part of the target set for eliminating Left-wing extremism. Between Jan 2025 and March 31, 2026, two Maoists were arrested and 23 surrendered in the district. Police said three major Maoist dumps had been recovered in the district in June.Meanwhile, combing and search operations by SOG and DVF personnel are continuing in vulnerable areas to prevent any relapse of the extremist activity. At no cost will we allow the Maoists to regroup, the SP said.
