Bhubaneswar: In a major boost to anti Maoist efforts in the state, 15 hardcore Maoists formally surrendered before Sanjeeb Panda, ADG (Anti-Naxal Operations), Odisha Police, at a special function held at the District Police Office (DPO), Rayagada.
During the programme, the surrendered Maoists voluntarily laid down their arms and handed over their weapons to Panda, symbolising their decision to renounce violence and rejoin the mainstream of society.
Addressing the gathering, Sanjeeb Panda, stated that the surrender of 15 Maoists reflects the steadily weakening influence of left wing extremist ideology in the region and the growing trust of misguided youth in the Government’s development-oriented and people-centric approach. He emphasized that sustained operation by SOG, DVF, CRPF, BSF has eroded the base of Maoists.
The ADG further assured that all surrendered Maoists would be extended the benefits under the State Government’s Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy, including financial assistance, vocational training, skill development, to help them reintegrate into society with dignity.
The 15 Maoists include Nikhil and Indu ,both State Committee Members and they were carrying rewards of 55 lakh each. The 15 member Maoists have 2 State Committee Members, 1 Divisional Committee Member, 5 Area Committee Members and 8 party members. Together they were carrying reward of 1.98 Crores.
They surrendered 14 weapons including 2 AK 47 rifles, 5 SLR, 1 INSAS, 1 sten gun, 1 .303, 4 single shots and huge quantity of ammunition. The reward against the arms is about 16 lakhs.
The 15 member group were from BGN division (Banshadhara, Ghuman, Nagabali) and were operating in Rayagada, Kandhamal, Gajapati and Kalahandi districts.
Nikhil had joined Maoists organisation in 2004 and he was active in BGN from 2008.
After killing of Central Committee Member Ganesh Uike in Kandhamal in December 2025, Nikhil was the next highest ranking Maoist of the State.
The function was attended by Amitendra Nath Sinha, IG CRPF, Deepak Kumar, IG operation, Akhileshvar Singh, DIG SIW,
Vishal Singh, DIG Koraput, Ashutosh Kulkarni, Collector Rayagada, Swathi , SP Rayagada, Harish BC, SP, Kandhamal, Nagaraj, SP Kalahandi.
So far Nuapada, Nawarangpur. Malkangiri, Koraput, Boud districts have become completely naxal free.
ADG Panda appealed to other Maoists to shun violence and surrender before police, assuring them all possible assistance as per surrender policy.
