Overview

• On May 27 an armed group of about 30-40 suspected Maoists seized roughly four tonnes of gelatin explosives from a truck near the Saranda forest in Sundergarh’s K Balang area.
• The hijacked driver, Debnath Toppo, was held at gunpoint before being released unharmed within the forest.
• State police chief Y.B. Khurania ordered audits of quarry and storage security following intensified combing operations by Odisha, Jharkhand and CRPF units.
• Despite recovering the vehicle on May 28, authorities have yet to locate the looted explosives over fears they could fuel insurgent attacks.
• After visiting Rourkela on May 29, NIA teams assumed lead of the investigation, planning to question witnesses and review transport protocols.