Anti-Maoist Op: Huge cache of arms and ammunition seized in Odisha              

Malkangiri: A huge cache of arms and ammunition was seized after a  Maoist camp was busted following an extensive composite operation jointly launched by Odisha Police, BSF, CoBRA and Andhra Police in Swabhiman Anchal (previously known as cut-off area) of Malkangiri district.

This was one of the biggest counter-LWE operations in the area that was underway to provide security coverage for road construction in the region, which was opposed by the Maoists, informed Odisha DGP Abhay.

The DGP informed that an exchange of fire between a team comprising SOG and DVF commandos of Odisha police and Maoists had taken place at Goiguda village on January 15.  On the basis of information recovered from Maoists documents and electronic devices seized post the exchange of fire, intense search and area domination exercises was also launched that led to uncovering of the major Maoist hideouts and dumps in the Swabhiman Anchal and adjoining areas.

It is suspected that the arms and ammunition might have been looted from the police in the past.

“We suspect that the arms and ammunition were hidden by Maoists of Andhra-Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee (ABSZC). Combing and area domination exercises have been intensified further in the region to recover more such Maoist dens, if any,” the DGP added.