Mumbai: In Maharashtra's Gadchiroli, security forces foiled a major conspiracy by Maoists one day before the third phase of Lok Sabha elections. The police destroyed six pressure cooker bombs, a large quantity of explosives, and 9 IEDs.
According to officials, local police had received information that Naxalites were planning to launch a major attack using IEDs during the Loksabha elections. Explosives and claymore mines were hidden for this purpose.
Despite receiving intelligence, the exact location of the explosives remained elusive. Anticipating this threat, a robust security mechanism was swiftly activated across the entire area. Security teams were deployed comprehensively to ensure that the Maoists' nefarious plans to sow violence with explosives during the election period were effectively foiled. It was during this time that on Sunday, the location in the Tipagad area where the explosives were hidden was discovered.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Nilotpal said that responding to critical information, a specialized team comprising two Bomb Detection and Disposal Squads (BDDS), one unit of C60, and one Quick Action Team (QAT) of CRPF was dispatched to locate and neutralize the cache.
Upon reaching the spot on Monday morning, the teams discovered six pressure cookers filled with explosives and detonators, along with three claymore pipes filled with explosives and shrapnel. Three claymore pipes without any explosives were also found.
Additionally, gunpowder in a plastic bag, medicines, and blankets were discovered at the same location. In total, nine IEDs and three claymore pipes were destroyed in situ by the BDDS team, while the remaining materials were burnt on the spot.
