In a significant blow to Naxal insurgents, security forces in West Singhbhum recovered a total of 133 weapons and explosive materials, including firearms, ammunition, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and communication equipment, during an operation in the dense forests of Gufli village under Tonto police station jurisdiction.
The seized cache includes: one country-made pistol, two country-made carbines, one country-made bolt-action rifle, 13 rounds of .303 caliber ammunition, 08 rounds of 7.62 MM ammunition, one 7.62 MM SLR rifle magazine, 10 kg of IEDs in two separate units, 29 detonators and 58 safety fuses, five cordless walkie-talkies, three radio receivers, six pieces of Naxal uniforms, two Maoist banners and 95 spike rods
The operation was conducted on March 4, 2025, by a joint team comprising West Singhbhum Police and multiple battalions of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), including 60 BN, 197 BN, 174 BN, 193 BN, 134 BN, and 26 BN. The security personnel launched the mission following intelligence inputs regarding the presence of Naxal cadres in the area.
Officials believe the recovered arms and explosives were intended for attacks on security personnel and strategic locations. The presence of high quantities of IEDs and detonators suggests that the extremists were planning ambushes or sabotage operations. The recovery of walkie-talkies and radio receivers indicates their efforts to maintain a secure communication network within the region.
The West Singhbhum Police have been actively targeting Naxal hideouts, particularly in the Kolhan region, which has been a stronghold of Maoist activities. Since 2022, intensified combing operations in districts like Chaibasa, Dumka, Palamu, and Latehar have significantly weakened Naxal influence.
The seizure of this massive weapons cache is a crucial success in the State's fight against left-wing extremism. Security forces remain on high alert and have expanded search operations in nearby forested areas to prevent further insurgent activity. The seized weapons and explosive devices have been sent for forensic analysis, and investigations are underway to trace their origins.
Authorities have urged residents to report any suspicious movements to local police as public cooperation is vital to eradicating Naxal extremism. With continued efforts, security forces are committed to restoring lasting peace in the state.
The State remains one of key battlegrounds in the fight against left-wing extremism. Over the past few years, police and paramilitary forces have intensified their efforts in districts like Chaibasa, Dumka, Palamu, and Latehar. Regular intelligence-driven operations have led to multiple arrests and the recovery of arms, weakening Naxal influence in the region.
In light of the recent discovery, security agencies are maintaining a heightened state of alert and continuing search operations in nearby forested areas. The seized weapons and explosives have been sent for forensic examination, and further investigations are underway to trace their source and possible suppliers.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to help in counter-insurgency efforts. With sustained action against Naxal groups, security forces aim to eliminate extremist threats and restore lasting peace in the State.
