Gariaband, Chhattisgarh: Bomb-disposal specialists of the district police and the 65th Battalion CRPF on Sunday destroyed two improvised explosive devices (IEDs), each weighing about 5 kg, in the dense Gaurmund forest of Gariaband district.

Acting on intelligence about Naxalite movement under Mainpur police limits, a joint column led by Assistant Commandant Sudhir Kumar swept the forested terrain and located the pressure-cooker bombs wired to detonate on a security-patrol route. Both devices were rendered safe in-situ by the Bomb Disposal Squad, foiling what officials called a “clear attempt to inflict casualties on the forces.”

Search parties also recovered solar panels, electrical wire, utensils and other Maoist logistics material from nearby hideouts, police added.

The successful operation coincided with Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai’s virtual inauguration of an Indian Overseas Bank branch in Jagargunda, Sukma district—an area long isolated by Left-wing extremism. The branch will bring formal banking to some 14,000 residents of 12 villages.

“Opening a bank in Jagargunda is democracy’s answer to extremism,” the CM said, crediting “continuous security operations and development initiatives” for helping Bastar villages step out of Naxal influence.

Officials said the dual focus on security sweeps and economic inclusion forms part of the state’s wider anti-Naxal strategy, which blends force protection with infrastructure, healthcare and financial access programmes across southern Chhattisgarh.

No casualties were reported in Sunday’s bomb-disposal action, and combing operations in the Gaurmund–Mainpur belt are continuing, police said.
(With ANI inputs)