Maoists Exploit Mining Explosives, Authorities Investigate Nexus

According to a report from Odisha on August 18, 2025, the authorities have uncovered a significant cache of explosives that they suspect were diverted from mining operations to Maoist rebels. The Additional Director General of Anti-Naxal Operations, Sanjeev Panda, stated that the materials recovered from the Tumudibandha area resemble a previous dump found in the Gumma Reserve Forest last month, where 600 detonators of the same brand were seized.

The police strongly suspect a nexus between the Maoists and the mining firms operating in the region, as the explosives appear to have been procured for mining activities but were then diverted to the rebel group. The materials, which include 4,000 detonators, 276 kg of gelatin sticks, 100 kg of apex buster, and various other components, were stored unlawfully and may have originated from commercial mining operations.

Three individuals have been arrested in connection with the seizure, which occurred during a routine check at Rampur Square on the night of Independence Day. The police have also seized two vehicles, ₹4 lakh in cash, and six mobile sets as part of the investigation.

Earlier this year, Maoists were allegedly involved in the theft of a large cache of explosives from a stone quarry in Sundargarh district. The stolen materials were later recovered from the Saranda forest in the neighboring state of Jharkhand, following a joint combing operation by Odisha, Jharkhand, and CRPF forces.

The authorities are now examining procurement records and supply chains linked to mining operations in Kandhamal and surrounding districts to uncover the extent of the suspected nexus and prevent further diversion of explosives to the Maoists.