Amid stepped up offensive in three Maoist infested districts of West Bengal, joint forces have seized the largest ever cache of arms, ammunition and explosives since they began operations in June last year and arrested a top local Maoist leader.
"So far it is the largest ever recovery of arms, ammunition and explosives, including fireams looted during February 15 Maoist attack on the Silda EFR camp in West Midnapore district," a top police official told PTI here today.
The seizures made at Jharnadiha village in Binpur area in West Midnapore district last evening, included AK-47 and INSAS rifles, a large number of cartridges, detonators, gelatine sticks, crude bombs, two computers, CDs and electronic gadgets.
The joint forces also found some firearms looted during the Maoist attack on the EFR camp at Silda on February 15 when the ultras killed 24 personnel, he said.
The police official said some police and CRPF uniforms were also seized.
The arms and ammunition, he said, were stockpiled by the Maoists after looting them or procuring from other sources.
A hardcore Maoist, whom the police declined to name, was also arrested and 27 were detained during yesterday's operations.
{{/usCountry}}A hardcore Maoist, whom the police declined to name, was also arrested and 27 were detained during yesterday's operations.
{{/usCountry}}Police sources said that more raids would be made.