In a significant development against Left-Wing Extremism in Odisha, Sukru, a top Maoist leader and State Committee member, surrendered along with four other Naxals to the Kandhamal Police, as confirmed by Sanjeeb Panda, ADG (Anti-Naxal Operations) of Odisha Police. Sukru, who was a highly sought-after CPI (Maoist) cadre with a reward of Rs 55 lakh, led the eighth company unit of the Maoist group in the state. Security forces surrounded Sukru’s hideout in Kandhamal district, leading to his decision to surrender.
The surrender of Sukru and his associates has reduced the number of active Maoists in Odisha to single digits, according to Panda. Efforts to capture other Maoists, including Divisional Committee Member Shila alias Nagamani, have been intensified by security forces through combing operations. The surrendered individuals, including Sukru, are set to formally lay down their arms in a special event scheduled for the following day in Kandhamal. They have also handed over their weapons, including an AK-47, as part of the surrender process.
Sukru, who hails from Malkangiri district in Odisha, is implicated in the murder of Maoist commander Anwesh, who had a reward of Rs 27.50. Anwesh was allegedly killed on Sukru’s orders by another Maoist cadre, Jagesh, who was later killed in an encounter along with a female cadre. Despite surrendering, Sukru will face legal procedures related to the murder charges of Anwesh, as confirmed by ADG Panda.
