BHUBANESWAR: Odisha has registered a major success in its sustained campaign against Maoism, with 19 Maoist cadres surrendering before security forces in Rayagada and Kandhamal districts. The development is being hailed as a significant milestone in the State government’s resolve to eliminate Maoist violence and achieve the goal of a Maoist-free Odisha by March 31.
Among those who surrendered are two senior Maoist leaders—Nikhil alias Niranjan Raut and Ankita alias Rasmita Lenka—both State Committee members carrying a combined cash reward of Rs 55 lakh. Their surrender, along with that of other cadres, reflects the growing impact of coordinated security operations and the effectiveness of the State’s rehabilitation and surrender policy.
Addressing a press conference in Bhubaneswar, Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurania said the breakthrough was the result of sustained intelligence-driven operations and close coordination among security agencies. He stated that anti-Maoist operations in affected districts have been intensified and made more decisive in line with the State government’s commitment to eradicate Red Terrorism
“The rehabilitation and surrender policy of the State government has emerged as a viable and effective alternative for Maoists willing to abandon violence and return to the mainstream,” the DGP said. Under the policy, surrendered cadres are assured security, institutional support, government assistance and opportunities to rebuild their lives with dignity, he added.
In Rayagada district, a total of 15 Maoist cadres belonging to the Bansadhara–Ghumusar–Nagabali (BGN) Division surrendered before the police. This included two senior State Committee members—Nikhil alias Niranjan Raut, a native of Jagatsinghpur district, and Ankita alias Rasmita Lenka from Tangi in Cuttack district. Thirteen other cadres from the same division also laid down arms along with them.
During the surrender, police recovered 14 sophisticated and lethal weapons, underlining the scale of the operational success. The seized arms included two AK-47 rifles, five SLRs, one Sten gun, one INSAS rifle, one .303 rifle and four single-shot guns. Security officials said the recovery of such a large cache of weapons has dealt a major blow to the operational capabilities of Maoist groups in the region.
Police records indicate that Nikhil alias Niranjan Raut had been actively involved in Maoist activities for over two decades and was operational across Rayagada, Gajapati and Kandhamal districts. His surrender is expected to have a significant impact on Maoist networks functioning in southern Odisha.
Similarly, in Kandhamal district, four Maoist party members of the Kalahandi–Kandhamal–Boudh–Nayagarh (KKBN) Division also surrendered after renouncing violence. The surrendered cadres have been identified as Ganga Kunjami alias Jiten, Muchaki Mase alias Sumitra, Chomali Kunjam alias Shantila and Bandi Madvi alias Malati. From their possession, security forces recovered one SLR, one 12-bore gun, two .303 rifles and a substantial quantity of ammunition. Several criminal cases were pending against them in different police stations across the State.
The DGP said continuous operations across multiple districts have helped establish effective control over Maoist activities. “The arrest and surrender of senior cadres, along with the seizure of large quantities of arms and explosives, have significantly weakened Maoist networks in Odisha,” he said, adding that security forces remain vigilant in preventing any resurgence of extremist activities.\
Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, in a social media post, described the development as a major breakthrough in the national mission to eliminate Red Terrorism and build a Naxal-free India. He said ensuring the safety and security of every citizen while accelerating Odisha’s development remains the supreme priority of his government.
Today, Odisha has achieved a major breakthrough in the national mission to eliminate Left Wing Extremism and build a Naxal-free India. Working towards the development of Odisha while ensuring the safety and security of every citizen remains the supreme priority of my government.…
— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) February 6, 2026
“As a direct outcome of sustained intelligence-driven operations and coordinated action by our security forces, 19 Maoist cadres from the BGN Division of Rayagada and the KKBN Division of Kandhamal have renounced violence and surrendered,” the Chief Minister said. He highlighted that the surrender of two State Committee members carrying a bounty of ₹55 lakh and the seizure of 14 sophisticated weapons, including AK-47 rifles and SLRs, underscore the scale and significance of the operational success.
The Chief Minister credited the achievement to the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a secure and empowered India and the firm leadership of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He noted that the Central government’s policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism and extremism, coupled with unwavering support to States, has brought the campaign against Left Wing Extremism to a decisive stage.
Reaffirming the State government’s commitment, Majhi said Odisha remains resolutely focused on eliminating Maoist violence and achieving the goal of a completely Maoist-free State by March 31. At the same time, he emphasised that the government’s approach remains humane and inclusive.
“Through a robust Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy, those who abandon violence and return to the mainstream are assured institutional support, lawful protection and an opportunity to live with dignity,” the Chief Minister said, adding that violence has no legitimacy and no future. “Peace, development and the rule of law alone will shape Odisha’s destiny.”
Both the Chief Minister and the DGP once again appealed to the remaining Maoist cadres to lay down arms, reject violence and join the path of development as partners in the State’s progress. They reiterated that the anti-Maoist operation will continue with full force until lasting peace and security are ensured across Odisha.
