Top Maoist leader Ganesh Uike, 5 others killed in Odisha gunfights

In a major breakthrough in Odisha’s fight against Maoism, top CPI(Maoist) leader Ganesh Uike , a central committee member and a heavyweight of the banned outfit, was among six rebels killed in gunfights with security forces in Kandhamal district, officials said on Thursday. Uike, who carried a bounty of Rs 1.1 crore , had been leading Maoist activities in Odisha since December 2024. His position as a central committee member underscored his prominence and influence within the banned organization.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah described the operation as a “major breakthrough,” while Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi called it a “remarkable success” in the drive to make Odisha Naxal-free.

The encounters began Wednesday night in Gumma forest of the Belghar police station area, where two Maoists from Chhattisgarh were killed. On Thursday morning, fresh gunfights broke out in Chakapad forest, leading to the deaths of Uike, two women cadres, and another male cadre. The three others killed on Thursday were identified as Rajani, Sima, and Umesh , each carrying a reward of Rs 1.65 lakh .

The joint operation involved 23 teams, including 20 from the Special Operations Group of Odisha Police, two from the CRPF , and one from the BSF . Security forces also seized two INSAS rifles and a .303 rifle during the operation.

Shah, in a post on X, said, “Six Naxalites, including central committee member Ganesh Uike , have been neutralised. Odisha is on the threshold of becoming completely free from Naxalism. We are determined to eliminate Naxalism before March 31, 2026.”

Majhi lauded the police for their “indomitable courage, professionalism, and coordination,” stressing that peace and progress remain the state’s highest priorities.

Odisha DGP Y B Khurania said that neutralising a central committee member is one of the biggest successes in recent anti-Maoist operations and noted that no casualties were reported on the security forces’ side. Operations continue along the Kandhamal-Ganjam inter-district boundary.

The encounters followed the surrender of 22 Maoists in neighbouring Malkangiri district earlier this week. Majhi and Khurania reiterated an appeal for rebels to return to the mainstream, highlighting Odisha’s comprehensive surrender and rehabilitation policy, which offers financial assistance, housing, skill training, and other benefits.

With Ganesh Uike ’s killing, the Odisha Police have struck a significant blow to the Maoist movement, marking another key milestone in the state’s mission to eradicate Naxalism . Following intensified action by the government in 2025, several major Maoist leaders, including Ramesh Kumbhar and Sundar Patra , have been neutralized, while key operatives such as Thirupathi remain at large, continuing to pose challenges for security forces.