Anti-Naxal Sweep Leads to Recovery of IEDs, Explosives and Maoist Dumps in Bijapur

In a major anti-Naxal operation, security forces successfully recovered 14 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted by Maoists in the forested Tadpala hills of Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district on Friday. Two hidden Maoist explosive dumps were also unearthed, along with a cache of materials including detonators, gunpowder, and solar panels, officials said.

The operation, carried out by personnel from the 196th battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the 204th battalion of CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action), detected 13 pressure-switch IEDs concealed inside beer bottles and one directional IED made from an iron pipe, all buried underground. All explosives were safely neutralised on site following strict safety protocols.

During the sweep, security forces discovered two separate Maoist dumps containing 13 detonators, 11 kilograms of gunpowder, four plastic drums, two steel drums, and two iron drums , along with Maoist uniforms, shoes, caps, ropes, solar panels, and literature, highlighting the operational preparedness of the insurgents.

In addition to neutralising the explosives, the teams demolished a Maoist memorial in the Tekmetla Kunjampara area. A separate operation in Pangur village under Modakpal police station limits led to the dismantling of six more Maoist memorials previously constructed by the ultras.

Officials emphasized that the coordinated operations are part of ongoing efforts to curb Naxal activity in the region and disrupt the insurgents’ infrastructure.