In a positive development for Odisha’s anti-Maoist efforts, 19 Maoists have surrendered in Rayagada and Kandhamal districts. The Odisha Director General of Police, Y.B. Khurania, announced this surrender during a press conference in Bhubaneswar. Among the surrendered Maoists, two were members of the State Committee.
A total of 15 Maoist cadres from the Bansadhara-Ghumsar-Nagabali (BGN) division surrendered in Rayagada district. This included the surrender of a Maoist couple for whom a reward of Rs 55 lakh had been announced. Additionally, 13 other cadres from the BGN division also laid down their arms.
In Kandhamal, four Maoist cadres from the Kalahandi-Kandhamal-Boudh-Nayagarh (KKBN) division surrendered. They renounced violence and handed over firearms, ammunition, and other materials to the police. The surrendered Maoist party members also turned in a significant amount of ammunition.
The Odisha DGP highlighted the successful year 2025 for the Odisha Police in counter-Maoist operations. He mentioned the neutralization of two Central Committee Maoist members and the absence of Central Committee Maoist leadership in Odisha. The DGP emphasized the encouraging impact of developmental work in Maoist-affected areas and the state’s surrender and rehabilitation policy.
