Odisha Kandhamal BSF Finds Gun Factory Linked to Maoists on March 21 2026

BSF found a gun factory in Odisha. They found many finished guns and parts, showing a big effort to make weapons locally.
By Newsroom | Security, Odisha |

A site dedicated to producing firearms, purportedly linked to Maoist elements, has been discovered by security forces in the Kandhamal district of Odisha. The operation, which included the seizure of finished weapons and manufacturing components, is presented as a component of wider efforts to apprehend a known Maoist figure and his associates.

The Border Security Force (BSF), alongside other security units, found the assembly during a combing operation in Panaspadar village, within the Bamunigaon police station limits. This happened on Saturday, March 21, 2026. Among the recovered items were completed single-barrel, locally manufactured guns, alongside various parts like barrels, cutters, and other tools used in their construction.

The discovery is situated within a broader context of intensified security activities across several police station areas in Kandhamal, including Daringbadi, Kotagarh, Tumudibandha, and Bamunigam. These measures have been ongoing for the past week, reportedly aiming to apprehend Sukru, described as a hardcore Maoist, and members of the KKBN (Kandhamal-Kalahandi-Boudh-Nayagarh) group.

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The operation involved personnel from the BSF, Central Reserve Police Force, and the District Voluntary Force (DVF). These joint efforts are being conducted under the supervision of the Kandhamal Superintendent of Police. Despite extensive searches in the surrounding forested areas, no suspects were apprehended at the site. The operation was reportedly led by BSF Inspector Manish Kumar Suman.

Equipment and Apprehensions

In addition to the firearms and manufacturing parts, tools and equipment used for both the fabrication and repair of weapons were also seized. The stated goal of the intensified search operations is the capture of key Maoist figures believed to be operating within the region.

Background

The Kandhamal district has historically been an area where security forces have engaged in operations against Maoist activities. The KKBN group is identified as a regional Maoist formation. These types of discoveries, involving clandestine manufacturing sites, are periodically reported as part of ongoing counter-insurgency efforts in parts of India.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What did the BSF find in Kandhamal on Saturday, March 21, 2026?
The BSF found a place where guns were being made in Panaspadar village, Kandhamal. They found finished guns and parts used to make them.
Q: Who is thought to be linked to this gun factory?
Security forces think the factory might be linked to Maoist groups, specifically the KKBN group.
Q: What was the main goal of the search operation?
The main goal was to find and arrest a Maoist leader named Sukru and his group. The gun factory discovery is part of this larger effort.
Q: Were any suspects caught at the gun factory site?
No suspects were caught at the gun factory site during the operation, even though searches were done in nearby forests.
Q: What other items were found at the site besides guns?
Besides finished guns and parts, tools and equipment used for making and fixing weapons were also found at the site.