Security forces achieved a significant breakthrough in Odisha's Malkangiri district on Wednesday by unearthing a major Maoist arms cache. Acting on precise intelligence supplied by surrendered Maoists, Odisha Police conducted a targeted search operation in the Mathili police station area located near the Chhattisgarh border, leading directly to the recovery of hidden weapons and ammunition.
Details of Seized Weapons and Suspected Outfit
Addressing reporters during a press briefing, Malkangiri Superintendent of Police Vinod Patil H confirmed that the seized stash included arms, ammunition, IEDs, and various incriminating documents. Authorities suspect that the hidden weapons and explosive materials belonged to cadres associated with the Andhra-Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee (AOBSZC) of the banned outfit CPI (Maoist).
Progress in Making Malkangiri Maoist-Free
Highlighting the impact of anti-Maoist efforts in the region, SP Vinod Patil H noted that Malkangiri became Maoist-free following the arrest of two cadres and the surrender of 23 other Maoists between January 2025 and March 31 this year. Sustained security drives have systematically dismantled insurgent networks across the area.
Ongoing Combing Operations Across the Region
This discovery follows a similar success in June this year, when police uncovered three major Maoist hideouts that were used for storing weapons and ammunition in Malkangiri. Odisha Police reaffirmed that regular search drives will continue to trace any remaining hidden hideouts and arms dumps in the region.
