Huge cache of explosives seized in Rayagada

RAYAGADA: Huge cache of explosives and arms has been seized from Rayagada district. The major haul was made in the Maoist-hit Chandrapur block of the district where securitymen swung into action on the basis of information given by a surrendered ultra Mina Palaka, police said on Tuesday.During a special operation in the dense Sitagudi forest in Chandrapur block on the night of December 11 and 12, security personnel stumbled upon the explosives, including 15 powerful landmines, each weighing 5 kg.The seizures also included five high-explosive grenades, 14 country-made guns, 17 detonators, six country-made bullets, six pressure bombs with keys, two remote keys, six bundles of wire, 50 empty detonator cases besides live cartridges, a battery, 18 empty tiffin carriers and six gun barrels.Informing this to mediapersons, Rayagada SP Anoop Krishna said the explosives were hidden underground at four different locations near the forest by the Maoists on direction of their leader Azad two to three years back.