Phulbani: In a major breakthrough for Odisha’s anti-Naxal operations, the notorious Maoist leader Kasa Sodhi alias Sukru has finally surrendered before the Kandhamal police at a special event. Anti-Naxal Operations Additional Director General of Police Sanjeev Panda, district SP and other senior officials welcomed Sukru and four of his associates with flower bouquets.
Sukru, who was active in the Naxal group for about 20 years and served as a member of the CPI (Maoist) State Committee, laid down arms along with four other Maoists. He handed over one AK-47 rifle and four guns during the surrender. 
The surrendered Maoists were welcomed with flowers by Anti-Naxal Operations Additional Director General of Police Sanjeev Panda. As per government policy, Sukru will receive a reward of Rs 55 lakh, while his associates will get Rs 66 lakh in total. They will also be eligible for rehabilitation benefits.
After the surrender, ADG Sanjeev Panda stated that the anti-Naxal fight has reached a decisive stage. He highlighted that 239 policemen have been martyred in the long battle against Naxalism. With this development, only 8-9 Maoists are now left in Kandhamal district, and no strong Maoist leaders remain active in the area.
Panda appealed to the remaining Maoists to surrender within the next 31 days, assuring them of rehabilitation as per government policy.
“Our operations will be intensified further as the deadline to end the Maoist menace is approaching,” he said. He urged the leftover cadres to lay down arms before the March 31 deadline. Sukru hailed from Malkangiri but was primarily active in Kandhamal. He was associated with both the KKBN (Kandhamal-Kalahandi-Boudh-Nayagarh) and BGN organisations.
A major operation had been underway for the past few days specifically targeting him, with the aim of apprehending him by March 31.This surrender is being seen as a significant blow to the Maoist network in the region and a boost to the state’s efforts to eradicate left-wing extremism.
