Kandhamal: In a major breakthrough for internal security, Shri Sanjeeb Panda, IPS, the ADG of Anti-Naxal Operations, has led a successful mission resulting in the surrender of five hardcore Maoists in Phulbani. This achievement marks a turning point in the state’s efforts to dismantle the Maoist insurgency, bringing the total number of active armed cadres in Odisha down to single digits.
Shri Sanjeeb Panda, known for his daredevil approach to operations, presided over a special function at the Reserve Police Lines where the insurgents formally renounced violence. Among those who surrendered was Kosa Sodi, also known as Sukru, a high-ranking State Committee Member who had been active in the movement since 1997. The surrender included a significant cache of weaponry, featuring an AK-47, an SLR, and several rifles.
Shri Sanjeeb Panda lauded the collaborative efforts of the IG Operations, Dr.Deepak Kumar, DIG SIW, Shri Akhilesvar Singh and the SP of Kandhamal, Sri Harisha, SP reaffirming that operations involving the CRPF and BSF will be intensified to ensure the complete eradication of Maoist activity in the region.
During the event, Shri Sanjeeb Panda highlighted that the movement’s influence is steadily weakening due to sustained, intelligence-led operations by specialized units like the SOG and DVF. He noted that the recent elimination of Central Committee Member Ganesh Uike in December 2025 served as a major blow to the group’s morale, leaving the remaining rebels localized to small pockets of Kandhamal.
The ADG emphasized his commitment to the State Government’s Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy, ensuring that the former insurgents will receive financial assistance and vocational training to rejoin mainstream society with dignity. The group, which carried a collective reward of 66 lakh rupees, will receive a total compensation package of approximately 83 lakh rupees, including rewards for their surrendered arms.