Odisha authorities have launched a large-scale operation in Kandhamal forests to neutralise Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in the state, targeting the top Maoist leader Sukru and his aides, officials said on Friday.
Director General of Police Y B Khurania issued a warning to the remaining insurgents, offering them a choice: surrender under the state’s rehabilitation scheme or face security action. “The security forces have intensified operations in Daringbadi and Raikia police station limits,” Khurania said.
Sukru, a 46-year-old Special Zonal Committee Member (SZCM) of the CPI (Maoist) Kandhamal-Kalahandi-Boudh-Nayagarh (KKBN) division, has been carrying a Rs 55-lakh bounty. He became the state’s top Maoist after the elimination of senior leaders in recent years.
Authorities intensified the hunt following the murder of Anwesh alias Renu, a cadre member allegedly killed by Sukru to prevent surrender. Anwesh’s decomposed body was recovered from Pakiri Reserve Forest under Daringbadi limits. Reports indicate Sukru had a group of around 30 active rebels under his command.
Also read: Odisha Maoist commander killed by fellow rebel
“The operation is focused on dismantling Sukru’s network and ensuring remaining Maoists lay down arms,” said Additional DG (Anti-Naxal Operations) Sanjeeb Panda. Odisha Police has deployed 13 Special Operations Group teams, District Voluntary Force, BSF, and CRPF for the mission.
Champa, a surrendered Maoist, revealed Sukru brutally punished cadres who wished to return to normal life. Kandhamal SP Harisha BC confirmed that Sukru violently opposed surrenders, and the murder of Anwesh was executed with the help of DVCM Sila and ACM Jagesh. Jagesh was recently neutralised in a firefight on February 22 in Nandabali Reserve Forest.
Authorities emphasised the operation is part of a broader push to make India Maoist-free by March 31, as declared by the Centre. “We appeal to Maoists hiding in Kandhamal forests to abandon violence and join the mainstream. Full support under the surrender policy will be provided,” Panda added.
In December 2025, another top Maoist commander, Ganesh Uikey, was killed in Rambha, along the border of Ganjam and Kandhamal districts. With Sukru now the primary target, security forces are intensifying efforts to eliminate his cadre and restore normalcy in the region.
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