Overview
- Joint forces have intensified combing in Kandhamal’s Daringbadi and Raikia areas, deploying 13 new Special Operations Group teams alongside DVF, BSF and CRPF units with drone surveillance.
- The push targets Sukru, identified by police as the state’s senior-most Maoist leader, who carries a government bounty and is accused of blocking surrenders.
- Police allege Sukru ordered the killing of deputy Anvesh/Anwesh after learning he intended to surrender, with the body exhumed this week from Pakiri reserve forest.
- Officials say Sukru is operating with roughly 25–30 armed cadres in the forest belt, and report a tightening security cordon after recent encounters that killed Jagesh and Ratna.
- The DGP issued an ultimatum urging remaining cadres to surrender under the state’s rehabilitation policy, as authorities cite more than 50 surrenders since November and a statewide active strength of about 40.