Maoists again made their presence felt in the district and torched kendu leaves worth over Rs 1 crore at Debandha under Chandahandi block of the district late on Thursday night.
More than 30 Red rebels reached the spot and 10 of them barged into the godown in which the leaves were stocked. The ultras then set them on fire.
As per eyewitness accounts, the Maoists initially threatened the security guards and Forest officials and later broke the lock of the godown.
On being informed, Fire Service personnel reached the spot and doused the flames. Police have started investigation into the incident.
On the other hand, the incident has triggered panic among the locals as it was the first case of violence by Maoists in the area.