Who is the Mastermind Behind the Recent Maoist Explosives Heist in Odisha?

Major Arrest in Explosives Theft Case

Rourkela: On Sunday, Odisha police apprehended the key suspect and orchestrator behind the theft of five tonnes of explosives, which were taken by Maoists from a vehicle near a quarry in Sundargarh district on May 27, according to official reports.

The individual arrested has been named as George Munda, also known as Kulu, aged 43, hailing from Banko village within the K Balang police jurisdiction.

Munda was reportedly providing critical information to the Maoists and played a significant role in planning the theft from the outset, as stated by DIG (Western Range) Brijesh Rai.

Investigations revealed Munda's involvement, as he resided directly across from the quarry and had previously raised objections against its operations, which were later halted, Rai noted.

He was outspoken against the quarry and escalated the matter to the Maoists, meeting with them several times to relay crucial details about the movement of trucks carrying explosives, the DIG explained.

It was Munda who informed the Maoists about the vehicle transporting explosives, facilitating the heist without complications, according to police sources.

On May 27, armed Maoists ambushed the explosives truck that was traveling from Itma to Banko quarry, making off with 200 packets of explosives.

The state police took the incident seriously, prompting DGP Y B Khurania to travel to Rourkela for discussions with senior officials.

To date, authorities have recovered 3.8 tonnes of the stolen explosives, with ongoing efforts to locate the remaining items.