Security forces destroyed a Maoist weapons factory in Sukma district, Chhattisgarh, on Sunday. The joint team of the 150th battalion of the CRPF and local police acted on intelligence inputs to raid the illegal unit in forest hills near Meenagatta village. Sukma Superintendent of Police Kiran Chavan said they seized eight single-shot rifles and a large amount of explosives and manufacturing materials. Items recovered included 15 12-bore cartridges, five electric detonators, 30 metres of Cordex wire, 2 kilograms of PEK explosive, 1 kilogram of ANFO explosive, 10 kilograms of ammonium nitrate, eight wireless VHF sets, a welding machine, along with Maoist uniforms and literature. Chavan stated, "Initial investigations suggest that Naxalites were operating the unit to escalate armed activities in the region." He added that the security forces’ quick action "completely neutralised the facility, inflicting a significant blow to the Maoists." Since January 2024, 599 Maoists have surrendered, 460 arrested, and 71 neutralized in Sukma. Chavan said, "The Sukma police are fully committed to maintaining peace and security in Bastar. Operations will continue relentlessly to uproot the Maoists' violent ideology and their supply network."