Telangana-Chhattisgarh Border, Jan 08, 2026 – Security forces have recovered 48 weapons, including sophisticated US- and Israeli-made arms, from a Maoist arms dump along the Telangana-Chhattisgarh border, highlighting the group’s ongoing effort to upgrade its arsenal amid intensified counter-insurgency operations. The recovery followed the surrender of Maoist commander Badse Deva on January 3.

Police officers familiar with the matter said the haul included weapons capable of targeting helicopters and drones used by security forces during combing operations, indicating that the Maoists were adapting to evolving tactical challenges.

The Arsenal: Sophistication and Variety

The arms recovered included:

• US-made Colt rifle with four magazines and 78 bullets
• Israeli Tavor CQB weapon with four magazines
• 8 AK-47 rifles
• 10 INSAS rifles
• 8 SLR rifles
• 4 BGLs
• 11 single-shot firearms
• 2 hand grenades
• 1 air gun with 2,206 rounds of ammunition

Additionally, 19 weapons that could potentially be used to shoot down helicopters or drones were discovered. A senior police officer commented, “It clearly shows the Maoists were updating themselves with modern weaponry.”

Telangana Director General of Police B. Shivadhar Reddy said investigators were probing the source of the arms. “A majority of the weapons are suspected to have been looted from security forces during ambushes,” he noted.

How the Dump Was Located

Deva revealed that the arms dump was identified based on information in his diary, which detailed the number, type, and location of weapons caches. He stated in interviews that while some weapons, like the Tavor CQB, had been seized from police during ambushes as far back as 2014, the Maoists’ technical teams had manufactured other weapons, including those capable of targeting helicopters.

Deva clarified that he personally never used these modern weapons, stressing that their presence reflected the organization’s intent to modernize its arsenal.

Internal Challenges and Leadership Gaps

Deva admitted that the Maoist central committee struggled with decision-making, failing to provide strategic direction in the face of intensified counter-insurgency operations. He said,

“After the Centre launched an aggressive offensive under ‘Operation Kagar,’ the party held discussions at various levels on how to respond. However, the lack of clarity and decisive leadership led to increased encounters and surrenders, further weakening the organization.”

He described a growing disconnect within the party, noting he had not met senior Central Committee members Muppala Lakshman Rao (alias Ganapathy) and Tippiri Tirupati (alias Devji) recently, and he was unaware of their current whereabouts.

Operational Details and Surrender

Until October 27, 2025, Deva, top Maoist commander Hidma, and other squad members were active along the Telangana-Chhattisgarh border. Subsequently, Hidma departed on another assignment, and Deva later learned of his death through radio broadcasts and news reports.

Deva explained that his surrender was prompted when he was apprehended by police while travelling for work. After understanding the circumstances, he decided to surrender voluntarily, admitting he could not inform the party beforehand.

On his plans post-surrender, Deva refrained from commenting on the future actions of surviving Maoist cadres or the recent surrenders of other leaders, Rupesh and Sonu, stating that they would decide independently.

Implications for Counter-Insurgency

The seizure of modern, foreign-made weapons underscores a significant shift in Maoist capabilities, suggesting attempts to counteract security forces’ technological advantage. Officials said the find would assist ongoing investigations into Maoist supply chains and the origin of these sophisticated arms.

This development also highlights the impact of Operation Kagar, a nationwide offensive designed to dismantle Maoist networks, which has resulted in increased surrenders and encounters. Law enforcement officials said Deva’s cooperation could provide critical intelligence to weaken the insurgency further.