Bhubaneswar: In a significant strategic move to intensify the fight against Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), veteran IPS officer Shri Sanjeeb Panda took over as the Head of Anti-Naxal Operations. This new, dedicated position underscores the state’s resolve to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s ambitious deadline of eliminating Maoists nationwide by March 2026. The took place in the presence of key figures in Odisha’s security apparatus, including IGP Operations Dr. Deepak Kumar and State Intelligence Wing (SIW) IG Akhileshvar Singh, signaling a unified and aggressive approach.
Sanjeeb Panda: A Seasoned Strategist at the Helm
Shri Sanjeeb Panda, a 1994-batch IPS officer, brings a wealth of experience to this critical role. Known as a “tough cop,” his career trajectory includes significant tenures as Director Intelligence, Commissioner of Police for Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, and ADG Crime Branch. His appointment as ADG, Anti-Naxal Operations, sees him also overseeing the crucial Special Intelligence Wing (SIW) , Anti-Maoist Operations and reporting directly to the DGP, Odisha. This consolidation of command under an officer of Shri Panda’s caliber is expected to streamline intelligence gathering and operational execution, proving vital in the state’s intensified anti-Maoist campaign. His past experience in managing the state’s intelligence apparatus and his acumen for handling hypersensitive jobs make him “eminently suitable” for this challenging assignment, as noted by a former DGP. Furthermore, his IIT background is seen as an asset in the execution of High TEch Information Technology projects, including his previous role as CMD of the Odisha State Police Housing and Welfare Corporation (OSPHWC), where he was credited with timely mega and massive projects execution.
A United Front: Dr. Deepak Kumar and Shri Akhileshvar Singh’s Roles
The presence of IGP Operations Dr. Deepak Kumar and SIW IGP Shri Akhileshvar Singh during Shri Panda’s takeover highlights the collaborative effort being forged. Dr. Deepak Kumar, an IPS officer of the 2004 batch, serves as IGP Operations, a pivotal role in coordinating and executing ground operations against the Maoists. His expertise will be crucial in translating intelligence into actionable strategies and ensuring effective deployment of forces.Dr.Kumar is an honest and hardworking top cop, who has dedicated his services for the State Police.
Complementing this is the role of Shri Akhileshvar Singh, a 2009-batch IPS officer, who has been recently transferred and posted as DIG, SIW, Bhubaneswar. Having previously served as DIG of Police, SWR, Koraput, Shri Singh’s deep understanding of the ground realities in Maoist-affected regions, coupled with his new charge of leading the intelligence wing, will be instrumental in providing precise and timely intelligence. This strategic swap in postings, with Dr. Kanwar Vishal Singh moving to Koraput, aims to infuse fresh perspectives and strengthen intelligence gathering, a cornerstone of any successful anti-naxal operation. Shri Singh is a dare devil top cop and one of the most efficient IPS Officer.
Odisha’s Renewed Priority and Union Mandate
The creation of the dedicated Anti-Naxal Operations Chief position, with Shri Sanjeeb Panda at its helm, underscores Odisha’s commitment to making this a top-most priority. This aligns directly with Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s firm directive to eradicate Naxalism from the country by March 2026. Shri Shah has repeatedly emphasized a “zero-tolerance policy” towards Maoist violence and a four-pronged strategy involving increased security presence, intelligence modernization, targeting Naxal leadership, and accelerated development in affected areas.
Odisha, while claiming its LWE situation is more controlled compared to states like Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, has witnessed incidents like the recent theft of gelatin sticks in Sundargarh, which served as a stark reminder of the persistent threat. With only about 100-120 Maoists estimated to be operating in the state, and 10 districts officially designated as LWE-affected, the new leadership is tasked with a decisive push to ensure a Maoist-free Odisha within the stipulated timeline. The unified command, under Shri Sanjeeb Panda’s leadership and with the active involvement of Dr. Deepak Kumar and Shri Akhileshvar Singh, signals that Odisha is indeed “set to take on Maoists in a big way.”