Odisha Police Launch Massive Operation to Hunt Senior Maoist Leader Sukru
Days after senior Maoist leader Sukru (49) allegedly killed a fellow cadre to stop him from surrendering, Odisha police on Friday began a massive operation in the dense forests of Kandhamal to hunt him down. Police sources confirmed that Sukru, a native of Malkangiri district, is currently leading a group of approximately 25 Maoists who are hiding in the Kandhamal region.
Intensified Security Efforts and High Bounty
Odisha has about 40 active Maoists scattered across six districts, but Sukru, a state committee member carrying a bounty of Rs 55 lakh, remains the most senior operative in Kandhamal. "Our operation is underway in Kandhamal forests. We expect positive results soon," said Director General of Police Y B Khurania. The crackdown follows the brutal murder of divisional committee member Anwesh, also known as Renu, a military platoon commander with a Rs 22 lakh reward on his head.
With Sukru showing no signs of surrender, state and central security forces have encircled the forests in a concerted effort to neutralise him. Police sources indicate that Anwesh's killing could briefly derail ongoing surrender plans among Maoist cadres, especially as the Centre's March 31 deadline to achieve a Naxal-free India nears. "The Maoists have little choice but to surrender or face elimination in encounters," warned DGP Khurania.
Appeal for Surrender and Rehabilitation
Additional Director General (anti-Naxal operations) Sanjeeb Panda reiterated the government's appeal to Maoists: "We continue to urge Maoists to lay down arms and avail the benefits of the government's surrender and rehabilitation policy." Beyond Kandhamal, security forces are also focusing their efforts on the Gandhamardan hills in Balangir and Bargarh districts. In this area, about 10 Maoists are suspected to be active, led by area committee member Sudarshan (64), alias Bikash, a native of Telangana.
"We have mobilised full resources across the hills to foil Maoist plans. The BBM (Balangir-Bargarh-Mahasamund) division has already been severely weakened in recent years due to intensified operations, leading to multiple surrenders and deaths," Panda explained. Surveillance has been significantly tightened along possible transit and escape routes on the Balangir-Bargarh-Chhattisgarh border to prevent any movement of Maoist cadres.
Innovative Outreach to Encourage Surrender
In a novel outreach initiative, Odisha police have publicised the phone numbers of surrendered Maoists to encourage active cadres to contact their former colleagues directly if they wish to abandon arms. Posters featuring messages and contact details of surrendered Maoists have been pasted across the Gandhamardan hills. The list includes:
- Nikhil and his wife Ankita
- Associates Nitu, Anupa, Mamta, Champa, Akash, Manish, and Sangita
These appeals are printed in Odia, Hindi, English, and Gondi languages to effectively reach diverse tribal communities in the region. This strategic move aims to build trust and facilitate a smoother transition for those considering surrender, leveraging peer influence to dismantle Maoist networks from within.
