Bijapur, Aug 30 — Security forces have recovered a suspected Naxal dump containing a large quantity of explosives and other materials during an anti-Maoist operation in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh.
The operation was carried out on Saturday by a joint team of Basaguda police and the District Reserve Guard (DRG) in the forest area near Pegadapalli village.
During the operation, security personnel apprehended a suspected Maoist aide identified as Bogam Lakhmu, 39, the son of Pandu and a resident of Chinnagelur under Tarrem police station limits, police said.
According to the police, Lakhmu was questioned after being detained during the search operation.
During police questioning, he allegedly admitted to working as a member of the Chinnagelur unit of the Dandakaranya Adivasi Kisan Mazdoor Sangh (DAKMS), an organisation associated with the banned CPI-Maoist.
Police said that Lakhmu also admitted to transporting and concealing Maoist-related materials and explosives in the forest.
"A search of his possession led to the recovery of Rs 50,050 in cash, one BGL launcher, 18 BGL cells, 12 arrow bombs, one hand grenade, 15 live .303 rounds, 31 BGL cartridges, one empty INSAS magazine, electrical wire, three-round chargers and one emitter lead," the police added.
According to the police, the recovered materials were sealed as per procedure and a seizure panchnama was prepared.
Bijapur Superintendent of Police Umesh Prasad Gupta said continuous anti-Maoist operations are being conducted across the district to curb extremist activities and disrupt the supply and storage of arms and explosive materials.
Police said the accused has been booked under relevant provisions of the Explosives Act and other applicable laws. He was subsequently produced before a court and sent to judicial remand.
The operation is being viewed by police as another significant step towards disrupting Maoist networks and their logistical support system in the region.
The police team is said to be on the alert to nab any other individual who might have been in touch with the arrested man.