Odisha Police received a major boost in its anti-Maoist operations ahead of the March 31 deadline to eliminate Left Wing Extremism, as State Committee Member Sukru and four other Maoist operatives surrendered before Kandhamal police on Tuesday.
“Kosa Sodi alias Sukru, a senior CPI (Maoist) leader carrying a bounty of ₹55 lakh on his head, surrendered along with four party members,” said Sanjeeb Kumar Panda, Additional Director General of Police and chief of anti-Maoist operations in Odisha, while speaking to the media.
Mr. Panda said that with this development, the number of active Left Wing Extremists in Odisha has come down to single digits. The surrendered cadres also handed over weapons, including an AK-47 rifle.
Sukru, a native of Malkangiri district, had been associated with Maoist organisations for over two decades and was considered one of the last remaining senior leaders of CPI (Maoist) in the State.
“Following Sukru’s surrender, the CPI (Maoist) is left with no recognisable leadership in Odisha. It is only a matter of time before the remaining cadres lay down their arms,” Mr. Panda said.
According to police sources, Sukru had earlier tried to prevent his associates from surrendering. He is also suspected to have killed his deputy, Anwesh, who carried a reward of ₹37.5 lakh and had reportedly planned to surrender last month. Anwesh’s body was later found buried in Kandhamal district.
Mr. Panda attributed the surrender to sustained pressure from security forces through intensive and coordinated combing operations based on actionable intelligence. He added that the State government’s attractive surrender and rehabilitation policy also encouraged cadres to return to the mainstream.
Meanwhile, Director General of Police Y.B. Khurania appealed to the remaining extremists to surrender, warning that time was running out. “If they do not lay down their arms, they will face action from security forces,” he said.
Published – March 24, 2026 11:28 pm IST
