Phulbani: In a major breakthrough in the ongoing anti-insurgency drive, security forces eliminated two dreaded Maoists during a fierce exchange of fire in the Karada forest area of Kandhamal district on Sunday.
Additional Director General of Police for Anti-Naxal Operations, Shri Sanjeeb Panda, confirmed the success, identifying the deceased as Jagesh and Ratna, both of whom were key cadres of the outlawed CPI (Maoist) group.
The operation was a coordinated strike involving the Special Operations Group and the Special Intelligence Wing. Key officials including IG Operations Dr. Deepak Kumar, DIG SIW Shri Akhilesvar Singh, and Kandhamal SP Shri Harisha BC supervised the mission. During the search following the encounter, an AK-47 rifle and a self-loading rifle were recovered from the site.
This success comes as the Union Government’s deadline of March 31, 2026, to completely eradicate the Maoist menace from India draws near. Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently reiterated the government’s commitment to meeting this target, and Odisha is rapidly closing in on becoming a Naxal-free state.
While the state has made massive strides, police estimates suggest about 30 Maoists remain active, primarily within the KKBN (Kalahandi-Kandhamal-Boudh-Nayagarh) division.
Recent months have seen a series of strategic victories, including the declaration of Boudh, Malkangiri, Koraput, and Nuapada districts as Maoist-free. With Kandhamal being the primary remaining focus area, the Odisha Police has intensified its elimination and surrender campaigns to ensure the state meets the national deadline.