Security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district have uncovered a large cache of weapons, explosives, and iron materials stockpiled by Maoists to target security personnel. Acting on intelligence inputs about Maoist activities, a joint operation was launched on Saturday by the 203 CoBRA Battalion, CRPF’s 241 Bastar Battalion, and district force personnel from the Mettaguda camp.

The teams conducted searches in the forested hill areas of Koimeta, Eerapalli, Botelanka, and Dareli. Around 11 a.m., in the Koimeta hills, security personnel discovered a massive arms dump hidden in the jungle.

Recovered items included country-made rifles, a BGL launcher with barrel, explosives, large quantities of iron materials, electrical wiring, a broken UAV Netra propeller, 480 iron clamps, 45 iron base plates, 47 pole angles, steel pipes, rods, welding holders, other tool equipment, a black uniform, and an ammunition pouch.

Officials stated that these materials were intended for manufacturing and planting IEDs to inflict heavy damage on security forces.

The operation was led by 203 CoBRA Commandant Pawan Kumar Singh and Deputy Commandant Praveen Kumar. The teams returned safely to their base with no casualties.

Police confirmed that the recovery has once again thwarted Maoist plans and highlighted that anti-Maoist operations will continue across Sukma as part of the ongoing elimination drive.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has set a target to eradicate Maoism from the country by March 2026. The government has also implemented a surrender and rehabilitation policy to encourage Maoists to abandon violence and join the mainstream.