Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to curb the resurgence of Maoist activities in the region, Odisha Police are intensifying their efforts with plans for a joint operation alongside Jharkhand Police to eliminate the Maoist threat by March 2026. Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Sanjeeb Panda revealed the strategy following a recent inspection in Rourkela, where Maoist presence has reportedly increased after a hiatus since 2018.
Addressing the media on Tuesday, ADGP Panda detailed the growing Maoist activity in the Rourkela area, highlighting the recent deployment of pressure bombs along the Odisha railway line. These explosives were safely defused by the state’s bomb disposal squad.
“We undertook a thorough inspection at Rengada railway station yesterday, engaging with local communities to understand the ground realities,” said ADGP Panda. “Based on our assessment, a comprehensive security blueprint has been developed, focusing on enhancing surveillance, intelligence gathering, and increasing personnel deployment.”
To strengthen the security infrastructure, the Odisha Police plan to establish additional camps and deploy more Special Operations Group (SOG) forces in key Maoist-affected areas. The operation will also leverage intelligence inputs to track and neutralise Maoist movements more effectively.
The ADGP emphasised the critical role of cooperation between Odisha and Jharkhand Police forces in executing this joint operation, aimed at dismantling Maoist networks that have entrenched themselves, particularly in the Saranda forest region near K Balanga police station.
“Following directives from Home Minister Amit Shah, we are committed to eradicating Maoist influence from our state by March 2026,” Panda stated confidently. “Our coordinated approach will ensure that Maoist threats are neutralised and peace is restored.”
The resurgence of Maoist activity after several years of relative calm has prompted authorities to double down on security measures.
The Odisha Police remain vigilant and proactive in preventing further escalation of insurgent operations in the region.
