Security forces in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district have recovered more than 900 detonators along with a substantial quantity of explosive-related materials and electronic equipment from an underground Maoist dump concealed in a forested area.

The recovery was made during a joint search operation launched on the basis of intelligence inputs provided by the 204th Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force's elite Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) unit.

According to police officials, the hidden cache was located near Pujarikanker village under the Usur police station limits. The operation was carried out on Friday, just a day after security personnel seized 711 Barrel Grenade Launcher (BGL) shells from another Maoist hideout in the district.

During the search, forces unearthed a large stockpile of materials associated with the manufacture and deployment of explosive devices. The haul included 455 electric detonators and 500 non-electric detonators, taking the total number of recovered detonators to more than 900.

Security personnel also seized a range of electronic components and accessories, including two multimeters, two radio-set battery charger cups, two copper prototyping boards, a multi-USB port card reader, a mobile charger, a laptop adaptor, a 12V FM/AM retractable power antenna, a telescopic antenna and Maoist literature.

Officials said the materials had been hidden underground and are believed to have been stored by Maoist operatives in the past. The discovery forms part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to trace and recover arms, ammunition and explosive stockpiles concealed in remote forest regions.

The latest seizure follows another significant recovery in the district, where security forces recently found 711 BGL shells hidden near the Karregutta Hills. Authorities have urged residents and members of the public to avoid visiting the area for the time being due to concerns that additional explosives or improvised explosive devices could still be concealed nearby.

The recovery highlights the continued efforts of security forces to eliminate the remnants of Maoist infrastructure and logistics networks across the Bastar region. In recent months, intensified operations, intelligence gathering and the surrender of former Maoist cadres have led to the discovery of several hidden arms and explosives dumps.

Police believe such recoveries are crucial to preventing the reuse of abandoned explosive stockpiles and ensuring long-term security in formerly Maoist-affected areas.

Chhattisgarh was declared free from armed Maoist presence on 31 March this year, but security agencies continue to conduct extensive search operations to locate weapons, ammunition and explosive materials that may have been concealed before cadres surrendered or withdrew from the region.

Agencies