Two Maoists Neutralized in Major Security Operation in Kandhamal
In a significant counter-insurgency operation, security forces engaged and eliminated two Maoist cadres, including a high-ranking woman member, during an intense exchange of fire in the dense, remote forests of Kandhamal district on Sunday. The encounter marks a critical blow to left-wing extremist activities in the region.
High-Value Targets with Substantial Bounties
Among the deceased was a platform party committee member, a position equivalent to a divisional committee member within the CPI (Maoist) hierarchy. This individual carried a substantial bounty of Rs 22 lakh on their head, indicating their senior operational role. The second casualty was a woman cadre, identified as a CPI (Maoist) party member, with a reward of Rs 1.65 lakh.
Preliminary police investigations suggest the deceased are Jagyesh and Ratna, both believed to be natives of Chhattisgarh. However, formal confirmation of their identities through forensic and procedural verification is still pending, as authorities exercise due diligence in the identification process.
Weapons Recovered and Operational Details
Following the gunfight, a thorough combing operation of the site led to the recovery of significant weaponry, including an AK-47 assault rifle and a self-loading rifle. These firearms underscore the armed capacity of the insurgent group and the lethal nature of the confrontation.
According to ADG (Anti-Naxal Operations) Sanjeeb Panda, the encounter erupted near the strategic border area between Raikia in Kandhamal district and Sorada in Ganjam district. The location is known for its challenging terrain and historical Maoist presence.
Intelligence-Led Operation and Maoist Affiliations
The operation was executed based on specific, actionable intelligence provided by the Special Intelligence Wing (SIW). A joint team comprising the elite Special Operations Group (SOG) and Kandhamal district police personnel successfully carried out the mission. ADG Panda confirmed that extensive search operations are continuing in the forested area to ensure no further threats remain.
The eliminated Maoists were believed to be active members of the KKBN division, which operates across the Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Boudh, and Nayagarh districts. Intelligence reports indicate they were close associates of Sukru, also known as Krishna, a CPI (Maoist) state committee member originally from Malkangiri, who is currently active in the Kandhamal region.
Context of Recent Anti-Naxal Successes
This successful encounter follows a series of recent setbacks for the Maoist insurgency in Odisha. Just prior to this operation, four Maoists surrendered in Kandhamal, and on February 6, a significant surrender occurred in Rayagada district, where fifteen Maoists, including the top Naxal couple Nikhil and Indu, laid down their arms.
Police officials have emphasized that intelligence-based operations have been significantly intensified across Kandhamal. In a move to bolster these efforts, DGP Y B Khurania recently conducted a visit to the district to review the security situation and boost the morale of the SOG and local police forces engaged in these high-risk operations.
Kandhamal: A Focal Point in Odisha's Anti-Maoist Campaign
The strategic importance of Kandhamal in the state's counter-insurgency strategy is underscored by the statistic that, in 2025, all eight Maoists killed in Odisha have been neutralized within this district. This highlights Kandhamal's status as a critical battleground in the ongoing efforts to curb left-wing extremism and restore peace and governance in affected areas.
