A huge cache of war-era improvised explosive devices (IEDs) has been recovered in a forest at Korbangjhimpe-8 in Salyan district. Police three days ago recovered 360 sets of socket bombs and some blasting gelatin used during the decade-long Maoist insurgency. The explosives were found hidden inside a cave in a forest. Deputy Superintendent of Police Bhola Raut said the IEDs were placed in the cave over a cliff where people could hardly reach.

The explosives were found at three different locations in plastic drum and sacks, he added. “It could have been hidden during the insurgency as the IEDs are old and rusty,” said DSP Raut. It is suspected that the devices were stored in the forest after the Comprehensive Peace Agreement-2006 fearing action for keeping them. “Sacks containing the explosives were decayed and the socket bombs were sticking out. Even the plastic drum was worn out,” said a police officer.