Security forces in Odisha have intensified their final push to either eliminate the remaining cadres or compel their surrender, launching a hot pursuit of Sukru alias Krishna, a State Committee Member who is leading the last small group of CPI (Maoist) operatives in the State.
For the past three days, security forces, including the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Odisha Police, have been combing the Kandhamal district following actionable intelligence on Sukru’s presence.
“Sukru, who carries a bounty of ₹65 lakh on his head, has grown increasingly desperate to keep his flock together amid mounting pressure on cadres to surrender. In fact, more than 50 cadres, including State Committee Members, have laid down their arms since November last year,” said a senior police officer.
Recently, deputy platoon commander Jagesh and party member Ratna were killed in an exchange of fire with security forces in Kandhamal.
Cadres who have surrendered have also revealed details about the organisational weaknesses of the CPI (Maoist). Acting on their specific inputs, security forces recovered the body of Anwesh, Sukru’s deputy and a military platoon commander, from a shallow grave. Anwesh had a bounty of ₹37.50 lakh on his head.
“Anwesh had made up his mind to sever ties with the Left Wing Extremists. When Sukru learned about his intentions, he eliminated him and buried the body,” the officer said.
According to police sources, Sukru is currently leading a small group of about 25 armed cadres who are struggling to find an escape route.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who also holds the Home portfolio, recently informed the State Assembly that Odisha now has around 40 active Maoist cadres. At one point, the number had swelled to nearly 800, led by top leaders from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha. More than half of the State’s 30 districts were once under Left Wing Extremist influence. Their activities are now largely confined to areas in and around Kandhamal district. (EOM)
Published – February 28, 2026 03:40 am IST
