Bhubaneswar: In a decisive move to combat Left-Wing Terrorism, the Odisha Police has launched a new incentive scheme offering substantial cash rewards for the capture of active Maoists or credible information leading to their arrest. This initiative, part of the state’s intensified anti-Maoist strategy, promises rewards ranging from Rs. 20 lakh to Rs. 1 crore based on the rank and threat level of the insurgents.
This announcement comes as neighbouring states Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra have recently intensified their crackdowns on Maoists, resulting in frequent encounters and a surge in surrenders. In pursuit of similar outcomes, the Odisha Police has unveiled posters featuring the names and photographs of ten top Maoist leaders across affected districts, urging public cooperation in dismantling the extremist network.
Topping the list is Paka Hanumanthu alias Ganesh Uike, a central committee member of the banned CPI (Maoist) from Telangana, who carries the highest bounty of Rs. 1 crore. Other top operatives, including Sudarshan, Nikhil, Ankita, Sukru, and Nitu, each carry rewards of Rs. 50 lakh, while Sheela alias Nagmani, Anwesh alias Renu, Mamata and Nakul have bounties of Rs. 20 lakh each.
“The posters not only list the wanted Maoists but also highlight the benefits of the state government’s surrender and rehabilitation policy”, stated a senior police officer. “We appeal to Maoists to surrender and join the mainstream and urge the public to share credible information through our dedicated helpline—9437643839. The identities of informants will be kept strictly confidential”, he assured.
The campaign, translated locally as “Catch Maoists, Earn Reward”, has been implemented across nine naxalite -affected districts: Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Balangir, Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Nuapada, Rayagada and Boudh. Special attention is being given to Kandhamal, Kalahandi and Rayagada, with enhanced surveillance in Nabarangpur and Nuapada, which share borders with Chhattisgarh—known hotbeds of Maoist activity.
District-level posters have already been spotted in over nine locations in Boudh district, including Sigadi, Tilpanga, Udamunda, Matagadu, Khandikhanpa, Luharpada, Nalikumpa, and Palam, as well as in forested areas under the jurisdiction of Boudh, Kantamal, Baunshuni, and Manmunda police stations. According to Boudh district police, a total of Rs. 4.3 crore has been earmarked for tip-offs leading to the arrest or neutralisation of the ten identified Maoists.
The rewards are structured as follows:
- ₹1 crore for the capture of top-rung Maoists.
- ₹50 lakh each for hardcore Maoists.
- ₹20 lakh for actionable intelligence on lower-level operatives.
Posters also indicate that individuals who provide credible information about Maoists who have been killed or have surrendered will continue to qualify for rewards. The state government has instructed the Odisha Police to enhance operations in coordination with central forces, aligning with the Centre’s objective of achieving a Maoist-free India by March 2026. During a recent high-level meeting, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja emphasized the necessity of a coordinated crackdown that combines state police intelligence with central paramilitary support.
Officials highlighted that the reward-based approach aims to encourage community participation and build trust between security forces and tribal populations living in forest-fringe areas. By motivating locals to share information and providing rehabilitation opportunities for surrendering Maoists, authorities hope to undermine the extremist network and foster peace and development in remote regions.
“Our mission is not solely enforcement but also reintegration,” stated a senior police official from Boudh. “We aim to assist Maoists in returning to normal life while ensuring that law-abiding citizens feel safe and supported.” With increased patrolling, intelligence-driven operations, and public cooperation, Odisha Police’s incentive campaign represents a strategic effort to restore peace in the state’s long-troubled Maoist-affected zones.
