Security forces have recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition in the Maoist affected Saranda forests in West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand.
Officials said that that in a recent search operation that took place in the villages of Regadahatu and Tumbahaka, located in the Tonto police station area, a large stash of weapons, ammunition, and other materials were found in a Maoist hideout in the hilly region of Sekarpi.
Detailing the operation, West Singhbhum Superintendent of Police Ashutosh Shekhar revealed that senior leaders of the banned CPI Maoist Naxalite group, including Misir Besra, Anmol, Mochu, Chaman, Kande, Ajay Mahato, Sagen Angaria, and Ashwin, along with their squad members, are actively operating in the Kolhan area for subversive activities.
In response, Chaibasa Police, in conjunction with Cobra 209, teams from the 203 and 205 battalions, Jharkhand Jaguar, and several CRPF battalions, have formed a joint task force and are continuously executing operations.
Since October 10, 2023, an extensive joint operation has been in progress in the border regions of villages Kuida, Chhota Kuida, Maradiri, Meralgada, Hathiburu, Tilaybeda, Boypaisang, Katamba, Bayahatu, Boroy, and Lemsadih under Goilkera police station, as well as the border regions of villages Husipi, Rajabasa, Tumbahaka, Regada, Patatorb, Goburu, and Luiya under Tonto police station.
Acting on credible intelligence, a specific operational team was deployed on Sunday, leading to significant findings.
During this operation, teams from Chaibasa Police, Jharkhand Jaguar, and CRPF's 174 and 197 Battalions unearthed a substantial Naxalite cache in the Sekarpi forested hills near Regadahatu and Tumbahaka.
The seized items included 7.62 mm Light Machine Gun (LMG) – 1, 7.62 mm LMG butt and barrel – 1, 303 bore rifle – 1, 7.62 mm Self-Loading Rifle (SLR) – 1, 2-inch mortar – 1, Revolver – 1, 0.22 bore Desi rifles – 4, Volt action barrel cocking handle – 1, country made rifle – 1, country made double barrel rifle – 1, 303 bore rifle butt – 1, 9 mm pistol – 1, various live cartridges – 435, Desi pistol magazine – 2, Magazine pouch – 1, Mobile phones – 9, Naxal literature – 5, and various daily use items.
The SP highlighted that the anti-Naxalite operations are ongoing in the area, accompanied by the necessary legal measures.