711 explosive shells hidden by Maoists found near Chhattisgarh's Karregutta Hills

Security forces have recovered 711 barrel grenade launcher (BGL) shells hidden by Maoists near the Karregutta Hills in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, prompting police to warn civilians against visiting the area amid the possibility of unexploded explosives and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

The recovery was made during a joint search operation by the Bijapur district police, the 196th battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the 204th battalion of the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA), an elite unit of the CRPF, following specific intelligence inputs, a police official said on Thursday.

The operation covered the forest area surrounding the security forces' Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Tadapalla village, which falls under the Usur police station limits. The 711 BGL shells were found concealed by Maoists near the Karregutta Hills, the official said.

The hills are located around 1.5 km northwest of the Tadapalla FOB. The recovered ammunition was secured following prescribed safety protocols.

Following the recovery, police urged civilians to stay away from the Karregutta Hills and adjoining areas for the time being, warning that the presence of IEDs and other explosive materials could not be ruled out.

"Civilians must avoid visiting Karregutta and adjoining hills for the time being, as the presence of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other explosive materials cannot be ruled out. A demining operation will be undertaken in the area as part of a planned exercise," the official said.

BGL shells are explosive ammunition capable of causing severe damage to vehicles and infrastructure, besides inflicting fatal injuries.KARREGUTTA HILLS ONCE A MAOIST STRONGHOLD

The Karregutta Hills, situated along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border, were once considered a safe hideout for senior Maoist leaders.

In April-May last year, security forces carried out a 21-day-long operation in the dense forests surrounding the hills, during which at least 31 Maoists were killed. Security forces also established a new camp in the area in November last year.

The recovery comes after Chhattisgarh was declared free from armed Maoist presence on March 31 this year.- Ends(With inputs from Dharmendra Mahapatra)