Huge cache of explosives seized in Koraput district

Police on Friday night conducted raids of different crusher units under the Borigumma police station in Maoist-infested Koraput district and seized a huge cache of explosives.

Three persons were also arrested by police in connection with the seizure. The accused were identified as Sibaram Panigrahi, Subhash Sahu and N Narendra Rao.

Acting on a tipoff, police conducted raids in the Jayantgiri and Jamunda areas in Jeypore and arrested three persons for operating illegal stone crusher units in the district.

Based on the information unearthed from the arrestees during interrogation, police raided other crusher units and recovered 26 packets of electronic detonators, three bundles of cordon wire, 38 bundles of safety fuse, 422 pieces of non-electronic detonators and two bags of ammonium nitrate.

Meanwhile, the cops are also suspecting involvement of more persons in the operation of such illegal crusher units.

However, police have ruled out Maoist links behind such stockpiling of explosives. “Prima facie no Maoist involvement has been established yet, but investigation is on,” said Borigumma PS IIC Sagarika Nath.

Police have formed a special squad under the supervision of the district SP to investigate into illegal stone crushing activities in the district. In wake of the recent spurt in Maoist activities in the district, the police are keeping an eye on illegal crushers, stockpiling and supply of explosives.