Ranchi, Aug. 7: Acting on a tip-off provided by local residents, police unearthed a huge cache of explosives hidden by Maoists from Arki area of Khunti district yesterday.

The quantity of seized explosives was enough to blow up a heavy vehicle.

Speaking to The Telegraph about the seizure, DSP Purushottam Kumar Singh said CRPF jawans were patrolling Arki area during the Maoist bandh when they were informed by local people that some rebels were spotted in the area a few days ago.

Thereafter, the search operation was intensified in the nearby forests.

"Finally, we unearthed over 140kg of liquid explosives packed in polythene bags and 15 boosters. These were buried under the ground in a forest near Kochang village," Singh added.

Replying to another question, he said that the boosters were used for completing circuits while laying ambushes.

Congratulating his men, South Chotanagpur DIG Arun Kumar Singh said a search operation was in full swing in his area and more positive results were expected soon.

A senior official monitoring anti-Naxalite operations across the state said that Arki area was a traditional Maoist stronghold, but residents of the area had of late had started realising the hollowness of their ideology.

"They helped police unearth the explosives on the very day the Maoists had given a bandh call in three states. This in itself proves that they are no more willing to dance to the tune of rebels," he said.

He also went on to add that sustained efforts by police had gradually started giving positive results.

"Earlier during Maoist bandhs, police used to be more cautious about their own safety and got little help from commoners. Now people have started defying the Maoist diktat," he claimed.