Maharashtra: Police discover 2 kg of hidden explosives buried by naxalites in Gadchiroli

Representational image. Pic/AFP

Police in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli area discovered two kilograms of explosives hidden underground by Naxalites with the intent to harm law enforcement personnel. Authorities launched a search operation in the Gondri woodland area of Kurkheda taluka after receiving intelligence indicating Naxalite activities. Bomb Detection and Disposable Squads (BDDS) were dispatched to search the area for potential hazards, reported PTI.

During the search on Monday, the BDDS discovered two kilograms of explosives expertly disguised in a pressure cooker buried about two feet below ground. Quick action was taken to safely neutralise the explosives on the scene.

According to the report, Gadchiroli Superintendent of Police Neelotpal confirmed that the anti-Naxal operation in the district has been stepped up in reaction to the discovery, emphasising the continuous efforts to combat terrorism and maintain peace and security in the region.

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Maharashtra Director General of Police Rashmi Shukla on Saturday said that police camps have reached places that were once considered Naxal strongholds in Gadchiroli and the scourge would soon be removed with the help of locals. The state's first female DGP was speaking on a visit to Gardewada, an area once plagued by Left Wing Extremism, where a police post was recently established.

"Due to Naxal activities, this area was away from the mainstream. However, the police department has removed their fear from the minds of the people by setting up a police post in Gardewada," she was quoted as saying by PTI.

She further stated that the Maharashtra government is reaching out to people from the region with various welfare schemes. Shukla asserted, "We will win the hearts of the people and with their support will eradicate the menace of Naxalism from here."

Shirish Jain, Joint Commissioner (State Intelligence Department), Sandip Patil, Gadchiroli Special IG (Anti Naxal Operations), Ankit Goyal, Gadchiroli Deputy Inspector General, and Nilotpal, Superintendent of Police, were with her. On January 4, Shukla was appointed as Maharashtra's next Director General of Police.

Earlier this month, after an encounter with Naxalites, police in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district seized explosive materials, detonators, and other items, another report stated. The report stated that during a subsequent examination of the area, police discovered explosive supplies, detonators, wire bundles, an IED battery, hooks for claymore mines, solar panels, Naxal literature, and 'pitthus' bags.