Police destroy nine IEDs; seize explosives, claymore mines dumped by Naxalites in Gadchiroli

The team found nine IEDs, three claymore pipes, six pressure cookers filled with explosives and detonators and three more claymore pipes filled with explosives and shrapnel.

Gadchiroli: In a major intelligence-based operation, police and security forces seized explosives and claymore mines from the Tipagad area of Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra, which are used to carry out IED attacks.

Gadchiroli district’s Superintendent of Police Neelotpal confirmed the development.

After getting the information, two teams of Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS), one unit of C-60 commando team and Quick Action Team (QAT) of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were dispatched.

Six pressure cookers filled with explosives and detonators were seized.

“When the teams reached the spot, they found 6 pressure cookers filled with explosives and detonators and 3 claymore pipes filled with explosives and shrapnels were also found. Remaining 3 claymore pipes were without any explosive. Teams also found gunpowder in a plastic bag, medicines and blankets at the same spot,” Neelotpal said.

“A total 9 IEDs and 3 claymore pipes were destroyed in situ by the BDDS team. Remaining materials have been burnt on the spot,” he added. A plastic bag filled with gunpowder and some medicines and blankets were also recovered from the spot, the official said.

Seized explosives, detonators and claymore pipes, including pressure cooker bombs.

There was credible intel that Maoists planned to carry out IED blasts during the Lok Sabha elections. However, since the intel did not specify the location, area domination exercises were carried out, and there was heavy deployment of security forces to avert attacks, he said.

(With PTI inputs)