Bijapur, Chhattisgarh: In a significant breakthrough in the ongoing anti-Maoist operations in southern Chhattisgarh, security forces have recovered a substantial cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives from a concealed Maoist bunker in Bijapur district. The recovery underscores the continued presence of insurgent networks in the region despite sustained counter-insurgency efforts.

According to officials, the operation was launched based on precise intelligence inputs indicating the presence of Maoist cadres and hidden weapon stockpiles in a forested area under Bijapur. A joint team comprising personnel from elite anti-Naxal units and state police forces conducted an intensive search operation in the rugged terrain of South Bastar.

During the combing operation, security forces unearthed a hidden bunker believed to have been used by Maoist insurgents as a storage and operational base. From the site, the teams recovered firearms, explosives, detonators, and other materials used for assembling improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The cache also included items suggesting long-term logistical planning by the insurgents, such as communication accessories and daily-use supplies. 

Officials said the recovery highlights the Maoists’ continued strategy of using underground storage systems in remote forest zones to evade detection. The area has long been a stronghold of left-wing extremism, with dense forests and difficult terrain providing cover for insurgent movement and concealment activities.

Security forces also carried out controlled neutralisation procedures for suspected explosive materials found at the site, ensuring safety in the surrounding areas. A detailed search operation is still underway in adjoining forest belts to rule out the presence of additional caches or booby traps.

Authorities have described the recovery as a major operational success, noting that such seizures significantly disrupt the supply chain and operational readiness of Maoist groups active in the region. Officials further stated that sustained surveillance and coordinated ground operations are being intensified to dismantle remaining insurgent infrastructure in Bastar division.

The operation forms part of the broader anti-Maoist campaign aimed at weakening insurgent influence across Chhattisgarh’s southern districts, where security forces have recently stepped up area domination and intelligence-based missions.