Phulbani: The recent neutralization of two key associates in the Nandabali forest has left senior Maoist leader Sukru, also known as Krishna, with increasingly limited options. As the lone senior cadre from Odisha still active in the region, Sukru now finds himself isolated following the loss of his deputy platoon commander, Jagesh, and party member Ratna. Security forces have confirmed that Sukru was likely present during the February 22 encounter but managed to escape into the deep forest terrain.
The tactical net is tightening as the Odisha Police and Central Armed Police Forces intensify their combing operations specifically targeting his remaining group. With the March 31, 2026, deadline for the total eradication of Naxalism approaching, the state has shifted to a policy of full domination in the Kandhamal-Ganjam border areas.
Chief Of Anti Naxal Operations Shri Sanjeeb Panda has made it clear that while intensive operations will continue, the door remains open for surrender under the state’s rehabilitation policy.
The surrender of other high-ranking leaders earlier this month, including the state committee member couple Nikhil and Indu, suggests a collapsing leadership structure within the KKBN division. For Sukru, the message from the authorities is direct: with the movement’s influence waning and several nearby districts already declared Naxal-free, joining the mainstream is the only viable path to avoid the fate of his fallen subordinates.
In a significant blow to the insurgent network in Odisha, Kandhamal police successfully neutralized two armed Maoist cadres during a fierce encounter in the Nandabali Protected Reserve Forest under Raikia police limits this past Sunday. The operation followed specific intelligence indicating that Maoists were camping in the forest and intimidating local tribal villagers.
Addressing Media, Shri Sanjeeb Panda, Additional Director General of Police (Anti-Naxal Operations), reinforced the state’s dedication to the national goal of eliminating Naxalism by March 31, 2026. He noted that several districts, including Nuapada, Malkangiri, and Koraput, are now free from Naxal activity. Shri Niti Sekhar IG Southern Range, Dr Deepak Kumar, IG Operations, Shri Akhileshvar Singh, DIG operation, Shri Harisha BC, SP Kandhamal were present in the meeting.
Shri Panda also issued an appeal to remaining insurgents to renounce violence and take advantage of the state’s surrender policy to reintegrate into the mainstream. Intensive combing operations continue in the region to ensure total security and locate any remaining members of the group.
Superintendent of Police Harisha B.C. coordinated a large-scale joint offensive involving eleven teams of the Special Operations Group, two CRPF teams, and a District Voluntary Force unit. The confrontation began around 11 a.m. on February 22 when SOG personnel were fired upon, triggering a gunfight that lasted approximately two hours. During the subsequent search of the area, security forces recovered the bodies of a male and a female cadre, identified as Jagesh and Ratna.
Jagesh served as a deputy commander of a military platoon while Ratna was a party member, both linked to the KKBN Division under the leadership of senior commander Sukru. The duo had been active in the Kandhamal district for the past five years and were reportedly involved in numerous exchanges of fire across various locations including Sirla, Sindhiponkal, and Raigarh. Due to their high-profile involvement in extremist activities, the Government of Odisha had previously placed significant cash rewards on their heads, totaling over 23 lakh rupees.
The operation also resulted in a substantial seizure of weaponry. Security forces recovered an AK-47 rifle equipped with an Under Barrel Grenade Launcher, six UBGL grenades, a 7.62 mm Self-Loading Rifle, and a large cache of ammunition, walkie-talkies, and medical supplies.