Malkangiri, Aug 21: Five hardcore Maoists were apprehended during a combing operation in Bangoli forest in Bijapur district, near the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border.

The arrested Maoists had been active members of the insurgent group for several years, and the Chhattisgarh government had previously announced a bounty of Rs 6 lakh on their heads.

According to reports, the personnel of District Reserve Guard (DRG) were out on a combing operation in Bangoli forest when they apprehended the red-rebels. Among those arrested are Lakshmi Farsa and Sukhram Hemla, who are reportedly natives of Odisha.

The operation also led to the seizure of a large cache of explosives, including tiffin bombs, cordex wires, electric wires, batteries, digging tools and other explosive materials.

The arrests mark a significant success in the ongoing anti-Maoist operations in the region, which has long been a hotbed of insurgent activity.

Following the arrest, security forces intensify surveillance and combing efforts along the inter-state border to dismantle Maoist networks and ensure civilian safety.

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