Odisha launches major forest operation to nab top Maoist leader Sukru

Security forces in Odisha have launched an intensive operation in the forests of Kandhamal district to tackle Left Wing Extremism (LWE) and apprehend the state’s most wanted Maoist leader, Sukru , officials said.

Director General of Police Y B Khurania issued a stern ultimatum to the remaining Maoists, including Sukru, whose head carries a Rs 55 lakh bounty , urging them to surrender under the state’s rehabilitation scheme or face severe consequences. “The surviving Maoists now have two options: accept the government’s surrender and rehabilitation policy, or face the full force of the law,” Khurania said.

The operation is focused on Daringbadi and Raikia police station limits , areas where Sukru and his group of about 30 armed rebels are believed to be hiding. Authorities said the crackdown was intensified following the brutal killing of a cadre member, Anwesh, who allegedly intended to surrender along with a group of 12 others. Sukru is suspected to have ordered the murder to prevent defections.

Sukru, 46 , hailing from Chitrakonda in Malkangiri district , is the top Maoist commander in Odisha after the elimination of his seniors in recent years. He is a Special Zonal Committee Member (SZCM) of the Communist Party of India (Maoist)’s Kandhamal-Kalahandi-Boudh-Nayagarh (KKBN) division and is known for his strategic planning and strict control over cadres. Sukru has been linked to multiple violent incidents in the region and has been a key obstacle in the state’s anti-Maoist efforts.

The operation, launched on Thursday, involves Odisha Police’s 13 new SOG teams , the District Voluntary Force (DVF) , the Border Security Force (BSF) , and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) . Additional DG (Anti-Naxal Operation) Sanjeeb Panda confirmed that teams have been diverted to Kandhamal and the operation is being executed with heightened vigour to meet the March 31 deadline set by the Centre to make India Maoist-free.

Champa, a recently surrendered woman Maoist, revealed that Sukru often tortured cadres who wanted to leave the insurgency and return to normal life. Kandhamal SP Harisha BC said the Maoist leadership had violently resisted cadre surrenders, with Anwesh’s killing allegedly carried out by Sukru, assisted by DVCM Sila and ACM Jagesh. Jagesh was neutralised earlier this month during an encounter with security forces in Nandabali Reserve Forest.

Authorities emphasized that the operation aims to dismantle Sukru’s network and provide full support to those choosing to return to the mainstream.