Jharkhand-Odisha security forces recover 2.5 tonnes of explosives in Saranda

PINAKI MAJUMDAR

Jamshedpur, June 3: In a major breakthrough, security forces from Jharkhand and Odisha recovered 2.5 tonnes of explosives during a joint operation in the dense Saranda forest in West Singhbhum district.

The operation was carried out by teams from the Jharkhand Police, Odisha Police, CRPF, and Cobra Battalion.

This follows a previous recovery on May 30, when 150 kilograms of explosives were seized from the Tirilposhi area of Saranda by the Jharkhand Police and CRPF.

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Maoists Loot Explosives and Hide Them

The explosives had been looted by Maoist insurgents on May 27 from a stone quarry located in the Relahatu Yanko area under the K Bolang police station in Odisha.

The armed Maoist group intercepted a van transporting around 200 packets of explosives and moved them across the border into the Saranda forest of Jharkhand, where they unloaded and hid the cache.

Authorities estimate that approximately two tonnes of the stolen explosives are still in the possession of the Maoists. A search operation is ongoing to locate the remaining explosives.

NIA and SIT Intensify Investigation

Following the heist, a wave of concern swept across both states. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken up the case, and the Odisha Police have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to assist in the probe.

Official sources revealed that a significant portion of the explosives was buried underground in the Tirilposhi region, within the jurisdiction of the Jaraikela police station.

The Rourkela Police in Odisha confirmed the recovery through their official social media accounts.

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Threat of Maoist Activities in Saranda Forest

Saranda forest, known as one of the largest Maoist strongholds in Jharkhand, has witnessed a decline in Maoist activity in recent years due to sustained counterinsurgency efforts.

However, the group continues to pose a threat, often planting explosives along forest routes to hinder the movement of police and security forces.

In the last two years, at least four police and security personnel have been martyred in such blasts. Moreover, over 10 civilians have lost their lives due to the hidden explosives.