Bhubaneswar: In a significant breakthrough in the fight against Naxal insurgency, the Odisha Police have arrested three hardcore women Maoists in Malkangiri district. The trio carried a combined cash reward of Rs 8 lakh on their heads.
Acting on precise intelligence inputs, police teams conducted a targeted raid near Gunthawada village under the jurisdiction of the Chitrakonda police station.
The operation led to the capture of the women Maoists, identified as Swapna alias Chandrama Khilo, Babita alias Kamala Khilo, and Sunita Khilo, all residents of Dhakadapadar village under Jodambo police limits.
Police officials revealed that Swapna, carrying a cash reward of Rs 4 lakh, joined the Andhra Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee (AOBSZC) in 2018. She was active in the banned outfit’s military platoon. Babita and Sunita, each carrying a reward of Rs 2 lakh, joined the Maoist group in 2021. Babita was associated with the Uday Protection Team, while Sunita’s role within the organization is under investigation.
According to the police, the arrested Maoists were involved in several incidents of exchange of fire and other criminal activities. Multiple cases are pending against them. Interrogation revealed their plans to carry out further subversive activities in the region, including attacks on security forces.
Following the arrests, combing operations and intelligence-driven actions have been intensified in Malkangiri district to prevent any retaliatory measures by the Maoists.
