In a significant breakthrough in Odisha’s anti-Maoist operations, one cadre of the outlaws was killed today in an encounter with the Special Operations Group (SOG) teams in Kandhamal district. The operation, launched on October 23 following intelligence inputs, targeted Maoist presence in the Budanai Reserve Forest under the jurisdiction of Baliguda Police Station.
According to the Odisha Police press release, the exchange of fire occurred on the morning of October 25 around 9 a.m., during which a senior Maoist cadre was neutralised. The deceased, found in uniform, is reportedly a senior member of the CPI (Maoist) group operating within the Kandhamal-Kalahandi-Boudh-Nayagarh (KKBN) division. Alongside the body, an AK-47 rifle was recovered, indicating the presence of high-ranking operatives in the area.
Odisha Police tweet can be used here
One Maoist killed in an encounter with SOG Teams in Kandhmal. One AK 47 rifle seized. Further Operations in the area have been intensified. DGP congratulates Kandhmal Police, Intelligence Directorate and Operational Headquarters.
— Odisha Police (@odisha_police) October 25, 2024
Further search operations are ongoing to ensure the complete security of the region. This encounter brings the total number of Maoists neutralized in Odisha in 2024 to five, underscoring the effectiveness of the coordinated operations against left-wing extremism.
Director General of Police (DGP) of Odisha Y.B Khurania congratulated the Kandhamal Police, Intelligence Directorate, and Operational Headquarters for their concerted efforts, calling the operation a major success in securing peace in the region. Further updates on the seizure and ongoing operations are expected.
The Odisha Government is taking a robust approach to counter the Maoist threat, with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi actively seeking support from the Centre. During a meeting of states affected by red terrorism chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on October 7, Majhi requested 12 additional companies of security personnel and a helicopter to strengthen the anti-Maoist operations in Odisha.
The Odisha Police is actively working to eradicate Maoism from the state. Speaking at the 65th Police Commemoration Day, Odisha DGP Y.B. Khurania cited Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent statement that Naxalism in India would be eliminated by March 2026. DGP Khurania expressed confidence that Odisha Police would meet this deadline, noting that red terrorism in the state is now confined to a few isolated areas, which will soon be cleared. The commitment reflects the state’s determination to restore peace and security in Odisha.
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