Bhubaneswar: Security forces have launched a coordinated operation to track down a top Maoist leader carrying a bounty of ₹55 lakh after locating his suspected hideout in a dense forest region spanning three districts of Odisha, Director General of Police Y B Khurania said on Friday.
According to the DGP, joint teams of Odisha Police and central forces are advancing cautiously through forested terrain at the tri-junction of Kandhamal district, Rayagada district, and Kalahandi district, where the insurgent leader, identified as Sukru, is believed to be in hiding.
“We have precise inputs regarding his location. The operation is currently underway, and forces are moving step by step inside the forest,” Khurania said.
Sources indicated that the police zeroed in on Sukru’s position using drones and advanced surveillance equipment after he managed to evade capture since January. The 49-year-old Maoist, a native of Malkangiri district, is said to be heading a small group of around 13 cadres, most of whom are reportedly from neighbouring Chhattisgarh.
Officials said Sukru has been a major obstacle in efforts to persuade insurgents to surrender. In January, he allegedly killed a subordinate, Anwesh, who was planning to lay down arms. The body was reportedly buried in a forest with the help of associates, including Shila and Jogesh. Jogesh was later neutralised in an encounter on February 22, according to Kandhamal Superintendent of Police Harisha B C.
Anwesh, identified as a divisional committee member and platoon commander, had been a key figure within the Maoist ranks.
Despite his hardline stance, recent inputs suggest Sukru may be under mounting pressure from both sustained security operations and family members to surrender. However, resistance from his close aides is reportedly preventing any such move.
Classified as a state committee member, Sukru is considered the most senior active Maoist leader in Odisha.
The ongoing operation comes amid a series of recent surrenders. On March 11, ten Maoists, including state committee member Sanu Pottam alias Nitu, surrendered in Kandhamal. This was followed by another group led by divisional committee member Nakul laying down arms on March 15.
Reiterating the state’s resolve, Khurania expressed confidence that Odisha would meet its target of becoming Maoist-free by March 31. Earlier, Additional Director General (Anti-Naxal Operations) Sanjeeb Panda had urged insurgents to surrender and avail benefits under the state’s rehabilitation policy.
