In a significant breakthrough in the ongoing anti-Maoist operations, the Malkangiri police apprehended two hardcore Maoists and confiscated a cache of arms and explosives following an exchange of gunfire near the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Kesa Kawasi, a member of the Kangerghati Area Committee, and Rakesh alias Sanu Kunjam, an Area Committee Member (ACM) associated with the AOB military platoon section-01. Kawasi hails from Chandametta Patalpara under the jurisdiction of the Darba police station in Bastar district, while Kunjam is a resident of Tamod village under the Ganglur police station in Bijapur district, both in Chhattisgarh.
According to Malkangiri Superintendent of Police Vinod Patil, the arrests occurred during a joint combing operation conducted by Odisha police and security forces on the night of June 12-13, following specific intelligence regarding Maoist movements near Sodiguda and Tenguliguda villages.
“During the early hours of June 13, our team encountered an armed Maoist group. When we challenged them to surrender, the Maoists opened fire. Our personnel retaliated in a controlled manner and subsequently captured two members who were hiding in the nearby forest,” SP Patil stated, adding that several others managed to escape under the cover of darkness.
During interrogation, Kawasi disclosed that he had joined the banned CPI (Maoist) in 2010 at the age of 17, while Kunjam became involved with the group in 2009 at just 14 years old. Both are implicated in numerous Maoist activities, including ambushes, camp attacks, and vehicle arson, leading to multiple casualties. They are wanted in over 20 criminal cases across Odisha’s Malkangiri and Koraput districts, with charges filed under the IPC, Arms Act, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, and Explosive Substances Act.
The operation resulted in the recovery of one pistol, six rounds of ammunition, ten electric detonators, a radio set, a walkie-talkie, and other materials related to Maoist activities from the site.
“Further interrogation is underway to uncover their network and upcoming plans,” the SP added.
The Odisha Police Headquarters has commended the bravery and precision of the personnel involved. This operation represents a significant step in the state’s ongoing efforts to combat extremism and restore peace in Maoist-affected regions like Malkangiri.
