Odisha Police Chief Issues Final Call to Maoists as National Deadline Approaches
In a decisive move, Odisha's Director General of Police (DGP) Y B Khurania has made a final appeal to Maoist insurgents to surrender, as the March 31 deadline set by the central government to eradicate Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India draws near. The appeal was delivered during a review meeting in Phulbani, Kandhamal district, where Khurania emphasized the urgency for remaining groups to lay down their arms.
Surrender or Face Action: DGP's Stern Warning
Addressing the media, DGP Khurania stated, "We appealed to the small groups left in the forest areas of Kandhamal-Rayagada-Kalahandi to surrender before the police like their seniors. Otherwise, they will face action by the security forces engaged in the anti-Maoist operations." He highlighted ongoing efforts to dismantle Maoist networks in the region, expressing confidence in achieving this goal soon through coordinated security measures.
Khurania underscored the collaborative efforts of various forces, including the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Special Operations Group (SOG), and District Voluntary Force (DVF), which have contributed to significant successes in combating Maoist activities. "Due to the combined efforts of all concerned, the state has achieved a significant success in combating the Maoists. It may take one, two or some more days. But we have confidence to achieve the goal soon," he added.
Notable Surrenders and Operations in 2025-26
During the period of 2025-26, Odisha witnessed substantial progress in its anti-Maoist campaign. According to the DGP, a total of 77 Maoists, including top leaders, surrendered to state police. Additionally, 23 ultras active in Odisha surrendered before the Chhattisgarh police. Security forces also neutralized 27 Red rebels in the past year, with a notable joint operation by Odisha and Chhattisgarh police on December 25, 2025, resulting in the killing of 17 Maoists in the Nuapada-Gariabandh border area.
A key surrender occurred on March 25 this year, when Kosa Sodi, alias Sukru, a state committee member of the CPI (Maoist) with a bounty of Rs 55 lakh, along with four associates, laid down their arms. This event marked the last top rebel to surrender, setting a precedent for others.
Incentives and Recognition for Security Personnel
Khurania urged the remaining small Maoist groups to come forward and avail benefits under the state's surrender and rehabilitation policy, which offers support for reintegration into society. In the same meeting, he also recognized the bravery of jawans involved in anti-Maoist operations, particularly against senior leaders like Ganesh and his associates. Monetary rewards were distributed to these personnel as a token of appreciation for their successful efforts in combating the rebels.
The review meeting was attended by senior police officials, including Sanjeeb Panda, ADGP (anti-naxal operation); DIG Akhilesh Singh; Niti Sekhar, DIG (southern range), Berhampur; and Kandhamal SP Harish B C, highlighting the coordinated approach in addressing the Maoist threat.
As the deadline looms, Odisha's police force remains vigilant, combining appeals for surrender with robust security operations to meet the national objective of ending Left Wing Extremism.
