Major Blow to Maoists: CRPF Neutralizes IED in Chhattisgarh

Significant Operation Against Left-Wing Extremism

Raipur: In a significant achievement against Left-Wing Extremism, a collaborative effort involving the Central Reserve Police Force's 214 Battalion from the Kandlaparti camp and local district forces executed a search operation on December 28. This operation led to the successful recovery and neutralization of an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by Maoists, along with a substantial cache of insurgent materials, according to police reports.

The operation targeted the Maoist-affected forests of Bijapur district, a known hotspot in the Bastar region notorious for ambushes and explosive traps. While conducting routine area domination and demining activities, the vigilant team discovered a 5-kilogram IED strategically positioned along a footpath near Kandlaparti road, intended to target patrolling security forces or civilians.

Following strict safety protocols, the Bomb Disposal Team of the CRPF promptly neutralized the device on-site, preventing a potential disaster that could have resulted in significant casualties. The placement of the IED underscores the persistent threat posed by Maoists, who frequently employ such pressure-triggered explosives to disrupt development efforts and instill fear in remote communities. After neutralizing the device, the forces intensified their search in the surrounding dense jungle, uncovering a concealed Maoist dump.

This cache contained various items meant to support insurgent activities and manufacture additional explosives. Recovered materials included 20 crude bombs or firecrackers, a battery for a wireless set, mobile batteries and chargers, cordex wire with a pressure switch, electrical wires, assorted tools, tarpaulin sheets, Maoist uniforms, documents, literature, and other supplies vital for guerrilla operations.

Security officials characterized this recovery as a significant setback for Maoist operations in the area, commending the vigilance, swift decision-making, and coordinated efforts of the joint team in averting what could have been a deadly attack. Such dumps are typically utilized by Maoists to store logistics for extended stays in the forests while planning ambushes or recruiting from local tribes.

This operation highlights the intensified anti-Naxal campaigns in Chhattisgarh, where new forward operating bases like Kandlaparti have been established to dominate critical areas and facilitate road construction and development. Ongoing search and area domination exercises aim to ensure lasting peace, secure villages, and promote surrenders among remaining insurgents.

This incident is part of a series of recent successes against Maoists in Bastar, showcasing the commitment of security forces to eliminate insurgency and restore normalcy in one of India's most challenging internal security regions.