Odisha's Most Wanted Maoist Leader Sukru Considers Surrender After Orchestrating Murder
In a dramatic turn of events, Odisha's most wanted Maoist leader Sukru, who allegedly orchestrated the murder of fellow senior cadre Anwesh to prevent his surrender in January, has now reportedly expressed interest in laying down arms himself, according to police sources confirmed to Bharat Horizon. This development comes amid intensified security operations and a growing wave of surrenders across the state.
Internal Resistance Within Maoist Ranks
However, Sukru's potential surrender plan faces strong resistance from a faction within the CPI (Maoist), largely comprising his junior associates who remain committed to the armed struggle. This internal conflict highlights the growing divisions within the extremist organization as security forces maintain pressure.
Profile of a Most Wanted Operative
Sukru, a 49-year-old native of Malkangiri district, currently commands a group of approximately 13 Naxals, mostly from Chhattisgarh, operating in the Kandhamal region. As a state committee member, he carries a substantial bounty of Rs 55 lakh and remains the most senior active Maoist operative in Odisha, making his potential surrender particularly significant for counter-insurgency efforts.
From Discouraging to Considering Surrender
"Until recently, Sukru actively discouraged cadres from surrendering," revealed a police source. "But following intensified operations against him and his team, now hiding in Kandhamal's dense forests, he fears for his own life. Intelligence inputs strongly suggest he is seriously considering surrender, though divisional committee members Sila alias Nagmani and Mamata alias Saite are resisting his move."
The Murder That Preceded This Development
Sukru had allegedly ordered Maoist leader Jagesh to eliminate Anwesh, who was actively preparing to surrender to authorities. Anwesh, a divisional committee member and military platoon commander with a bounty of Rs 27.5 lakh, had been in contact with police and was ready to abandon the armed struggle completely.
"On January 29, Jagesh implemented Sukru's order and slit Anwesh's throat before burying the body in Kandhamal forest," detailed a senior police officer. "The incident came to light after four Maoists, who surrendered on February 6, disclosed the killing during interrogation."
Jagesh and another woman cadre were later killed in an encounter on February 22, and Anwesh's body was exhumed on February 25 for proper identification and investigation.
Surge in Surrenders Despite Violent Deterrent
Despite initial fears that Anwesh's brutal murder might discourage defections, Odisha police have actually witnessed a significant surge in surrenders. Ten Maoists, including state committee member Sanu Pottam alias Nitu, surrendered in Kandhamal on March 11. Days later, on March 15, divisional committee member Nakul led 11 others in Kalahandi to lay down arms, substantially boosting police morale in their sustained campaign against Naxalism.
Two-Pronged Strategy Against Extremism
Reaffirming its two-pronged strategy of "surrender or face encounter," Odisha police aim to eliminate Left-wing extremism by the Centre's March 31 'Naxal-free India' deadline. Additional Director General (anti-Naxal operations) Sanjeeb Panda emphasized, "We continue to urge Maoists to lay down arms and avail the benefits of the state government's surrender and rehabilitation policy. The door remains open for those willing to return to mainstream society."
The potential surrender of Sukru, if realized, would represent a major victory for security forces and could further accelerate the decline of Maoist influence in Odisha's affected regions.
