Odisha Police Ends Surrender Deadline, Intensifies Anti-Maoist Operations

The Odisha Police has announced the end of the surrender deadline for Maoists and signaled a more aggressive phase of operations, including intensified search missions and encounters, to eliminate remaining insurgents.

ADG Sanjeeb Panda Announces Crackdown

Addressing a press conference, Sanjeeb Panda stated that security forces will continue operations until complete success is achieved. He emphasized that Maoists will be tracked down and neutralized as part of the ongoing anti-insurgency drive.

Major Success in Anti-Maoist Operations

Odisha Police has achieved significant success in recent years. Between 2025 and early 2026:

• 27 Maoists, including 2 Central Committee members, were neutralized
• 9 Maoists were arrested
• 78 Maoists, including 4 State Committee members, surrendered before Odisha Police
• 42 Maoists surrendered before police in neighboring states like Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh

These operations were carried out with the support of central forces like CRPF, BSF, and CISF.

Key Operations Target Top Maoist Leaders

In major joint operations:

• On January 20, 2025, Odisha and Chhattisgarh Police eliminated 16 Maoists, including Central Committee member Chelpati, in the Gariaband region.
• On December 25, another operation in Kandhamal led to the killing of Central Committee member Ganesh Uike along with three others.

Maoist Influence Once Widespread

At its peak in 2025, Maoist activity affected nine districts, including Kandhamal, Malkangiri, Koraput, Balangir, Boudh, Nuapada, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, and Kalahandi. During this period, Maoists were responsible for the deaths of 359 people.

Heavy Sacrifice by Security Forces

The anti-Maoist battle has come at a heavy cost. A total of 239 security personnel lost their lives, including:

• 142 from Odisha Police
• 25 from CRPF
• 15 from BSF
• 38 from Andhra Pradesh Police
• 10 from CISF
• 9 from Chhattisgarh Police

Eight Districts Now Maoist-Free

According to officials, eight of the nine affected districts have now been cleared of Maoist presence. Only Kandhamal district still has limited activity, with around 8–9 Maoists reportedly active.

Operations to Continue

Authorities have made it clear that operations will continue to ensure Maoist activities do not resurface in the state. The focus remains on complete eradication and maintaining long-term peace and security in Odisha.