Sundargarh, June 4: Security has been beefed up at Rourkela, Sundargarh, and Keonjhar following the loot case of explosives by the Maoists.

At least 16 explosives magazines (storage rooms) at IDL Explosives Limited were inspected under the instructions of Western Range DIG Brijesh Ray and Rourkela SP Nitesh Wadhwani. Similar inspections were carried out at various locations, including MCL, NTPC Darlipali Thermal Power Project, NTPC Dulinga Coal Mine, Manoharpur OCPL Coal Mine, Jamkani Vedanta Coal Mine, and Lanjiberna Limestone Mine.

Police teams visited the storage sites to verify explosives management protocols and ensure compliance. Additionally, an arms warehouse near Nuapali village under Bonaigarh police station was also raided, with reports indicating potential law enforcement action.

Suspicious Arrival of Explosives at Sealed Warehouse

Despite the recent arrest of explosive dealer Sravan Agrawal, a truck loaded with explosives arrived from Telangana at a sealed warehouse today. The truck, bearing the registration number TSUE-7675, was carrying 600 packets (15 tons) of explosives along with 198 packets containing 300,000 meters of wire.

Upon arrival, truck driver Jay Suresh discovered that the warehouse was sealed and had no staff present.

Upon receiving information about the truck's arrival, the Badagaon police rushed to the scene and inspected all vehicle and explosive-related documents.

This incident follows the Maoist looting of five tons of explosives from Banko stone mine in Sundargarh district on May 27. Investigations suggest that the stolen explosives had originated from Shravan Agrawal’s warehouse, "Garg Blast Services," in Itma Khadiapada, Badagaon. Due to violations of standard operating procedures (SOPs), authorities sealed the warehouse on May 28 and initiated an investigation.

Just two days ago, another truck carrying a large quantity of explosives and detonators was intercepted in Balughat, Rourkela. This shipment was allegedly linked to Shravan Agrawal, who remains in police custody and was presented in court today. The unexpected arrival of new explosives at the sealed warehouse has raised serious suspicions.

According to the truck driver, Agrawal had ordered the explosives on May 29 from N. Dharma Reddy’s Nallabollu Industries in Bhuvanagiri, Telangana. The driver reportedly attempted to contact Agrawal upon reaching Sundargarh, only to find that Agrawal’s phone was switched off due to his detention. Left without guidance, the driver proceeded to the warehouse, which remains under investigation.

Authorities are now questioning how Agrawal managed to place a fresh order for explosives despite the warehouse being sealed.

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