Counterinsurgency – Security Forces Recover Cash and Weapons From Maoist Hideout
Counterinsurgency – Security agencies operating in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region have recovered nearly Rs 65 lakh in cash along with a significant stockpile of arms from a suspected Maoist hideout in Bijapur district, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
Recovery Linked to Ongoing Operations
Inspector General of Bastar Range, P. Sunderraj, said the seizure was made during a continuing anti-Maoist campaign being carried out across the Bastar division. According to him, several units, including the District Reserve Guard (DRG), Special Task Force (STF), Bastar Fighters, COBRA commandos, Border Security Force (BSF), and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), have intensified coordinated operations under the government’s “Mission 2026” initiative.
Officials stated that the recovered weapons included Self-Loading Rifles (SLR) and Light Machine Guns (LMG), indicating that the location had previously been used as a storage point by Maoist cadres operating in the region.
Intelligence Inputs Led to Discovery
Security officials said the recovery followed weeks of intelligence-based search operations in remote forest areas. Authorities have been relying on information shared by surrendered Maoist members, local intelligence networks, and support from villagers to track hidden supply locations and movement routes.
Sunderraj noted that anti-insurgency operations in Bastar have become more focused during the past six weeks, leading to repeated breakthroughs in several districts affected by Left-Wing Extremism. He added that continuous pressure from security forces has significantly weakened Maoist infrastructure in the area.
Earlier Surrenders Strengthened Investigation
The latest recovery comes shortly after a major surrender operation reported in Bijapur on March 31, when 25 Maoist cadres, including 12 women, laid down arms before security authorities. During that operation, officials recovered nearly 7 kilograms of gold, Rs 2.92 crore in cash, and 93 weapons allegedly linked to Maoist groups.
Security agencies described the surrender as one of the most significant developments in recent anti-Naxal operations in Chhattisgarh. Investigators believe the information obtained from surrendered cadres has played a crucial role in locating hidden weapons dumps and financial reserves maintained by insurgent groups.
Authorities Claim Maoist Network Severely Weakened
Speaking about the broader campaign, Sunderraj said Maoist activity in the Bastar division has declined sharply due to sustained operations by multiple security agencies. He stated that authorities are close to achieving their larger operational objectives in the region.
According to officials, the administration is also encouraging rehabilitation and reintegration programs aimed at persuading remaining insurgents to return to mainstream society. Authorities believe these measures, along with continuous field operations, have reduced the influence of Maoist groups across several districts.
Sukma Declared Free From Maoist Influence
In a related development, Superintendent of Police Kiran G Chavan said Sukma district has also witnessed a major decline in Maoist presence following the surrender and rehabilitation of two female Naxalite members earlier this week.
Police officials stated that security forces, local representatives, and residents have jointly contributed to improving stability in the Bastar region over the past few years. Authorities also acknowledged the role of local communities in supporting intelligence-sharing efforts during operations in difficult forest terrain.
The recent recoveries and surrenders are being viewed by officials as an indication that counterinsurgency operations in southern Chhattisgarh are entering a decisive phase, although search missions and security deployments continue across sensitive areas.