In a significant breakthrough for security forces, a top Maoist commander and five of his associates were neutralized in recent encounters in Odisha's Kandhamal district. The Odisha police stated on Friday that this decisive action is expected to trigger a wave of surrenders among active Maoist members in the state.
A Major Blow to the Maoist Outfit
Sanjeeb Panda, the Additional Director General (ADG) for anti-Naxal operations, declared that the killing of central committee member Ganesh Uike is a severe setback for the banned organization. "Ganesh was leading the Maoist organisation in the state and his death is a major blow to the outfit. After this, others may surrender," Panda said. He made these remarks while reviewing the anti-Maoist operations in Phulbani with senior officers, following the two-day operation that resulted in six Maoist casualties.
Details of the Encounters and Recoveries
The series of confrontations began on Wednesday when two rebels were killed in an encounter within the Gumma reserve forest area under Belghar police station limits. The operation intensified on Thursday, leading to a firefight in a forest under Chakapada police limits, near the Rambha forest range of Ganjam district. This encounter claimed the lives of Ganesh Uike and three cadres, including two women.
The other slain Maoists were identified as Bari, an area committee member; Amrit of the Bansadhara-Ghumusar-Nagabali division; along with Rajani, Umesh, and Sima. The police confirmed substantial rewards on their heads: Ganesh Uike carried a bounty of Rs 1.1 crore, while Bari and Amrit had rewards of Rs 15.5 lakh and Rs 1.65 lakh, respectively. The other cadres each carried a reward of Rs 1.65 lakh.
Security personnel conducted a thorough search of the encounter sites, recovering a significant cache of arms and materials. The seized items included:
- An Insas rifle, a .303 rifle, a .22 rifle, and a country-made gun.
- Multiple AK-47 magazines and live ammunition.
- A hand grenade and eight detonators.
- Various other materials and medicines.
ADG Panda also confirmed that two landmines were detected and successfully defused at the spot. The security forces returned with the seized items and the bodies of the Maoists. The autopsies were later conducted under tight security at the district headquarters hospital in Phulbani.
Intensified Operations and a Call for Surrender
Panda stated that anti-Maoist operations have been intensified in the Kandhamal region, with increased deployment of forces, as several rebels are suspected to be hiding in the dense forests. He issued a stern warning, reiterating that "no form of violence under any pretext will be tolerated" and affirmed the police's commitment to dealing with violent activities "with an iron hand."
Expressing strong confidence, the ADG said the Odisha police are on track to eliminate the Maoist threat from the state by March 2026. Simultaneously, he made a heartfelt appeal to the remaining Maoists to lay down their arms and reintegrate into society. Panda highlighted the state government's newly approved surrender and rehabilitation policy, which offers financial assistance of up to Rs 1.2 crore based on rank, along with other benefits. "They could lead a life of dignity and self-respect," he urged, pointing towards the mainstream path.
