Security Forces Recover 711 BGL Shells Hidden by Maoists in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur

Security forces have recovered 711 barrel grenade launcher (BGL) shells allegedly concealed by Maoists near the Karregutta hills in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, a police official said on Thursday, urging civilians to stay away from the area due to the possible presence of explosives.

Acting on specific intelligence inputs, a joint team comprising Bijapur district police, the 196th battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the 204th battalion of its elite Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) launched a search operation in the forest area surrounding the Forward Operating Base (FOB) at Tadapalla village, under Usur police station limits.

The operation led to the recovery of 711 BGL shells concealed by Maoists near the Karregutta (KG) hills, located approximately 1.5 km northwest of the security forces' camp. The recovered ammunition was secured following prescribed safety protocols, the official said.

The police official cautioned that the presence of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other explosive materials could not be ruled out in Karregutta and adjoining hills. He appealed to civilians to avoid visiting the area until further notice, adding that a demining operation would be undertaken as part of a planned exercise.

The Karregutta hills, situated along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border, were once considered a safe hideout for senior Maoist leaders.

In April-May 2025, security forces conducted a 21-day-long operation in the dense forests surrounding the hills, killing at least 31 Maoists. A new security camp was subsequently established in the area in November last year.

Chhattisgarh was declared free from armed Maoist presence on March 31, 2026.