Major Anti-Maoist Operation in Odisha Results in Five Deaths

In a recent anti-Maoist operation in Odisha's Kandhamal district, five Maoists were killed, and 22 others surrendered, marking a significant development in the state's ongoing battle against insurgency. The operation, which involved multiple security teams, was based on intelligence from the Special Intelligence Wing. The surrendered Maoists will now be part of a rehabilitation program aimed at reintegrating them into society. This event highlights the intensified efforts against Maoist activities in the region, particularly in areas historically known as Maoist strongholds.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 25, 2025, 14:43 IST

Significant Maoist Operation in Kandhamal District

In a significant anti-Maoist operation conducted in the Kandhamal district of Odisha, five Maoists were killed during a two-day search initiative, according to police reports. The first encounter occurred on Wednesday in the Gumma forest area, under the jurisdiction of the Belghar police station, where two Maoists lost their lives. The following day, another encounter in the Narig Jhola forest area, part of the Chakapad police station region, resulted in the deaths of three additional Maoists.

Based on specific intelligence from the Special Intelligence Wing (SIW), security forces launched a coordinated operation involving 23 teams, including 20 Special Operations Group (SOG) teams, two CRPF teams, and one BSF team, targeting areas around Chakapad police station and the Rambha forest region in Ganjam district. Multiple firing incidents were reported on the morning of December 25, 2025, during the presence of SOG teams.

Findings from the Search Operation

Following the search operation, security personnel recovered the bodies of four uniformed Maoists (two men and two women), along with two INSAS rifles and one .303 rifle. One of the deceased Maoists was identified as Ganesh Uike, a member of the central committee and a key figure in Maoist activities in Odisha. The identities of the other three remain unknown. Authorities indicated that the search efforts are ongoing, and it is now believed that Devuji is the only remaining prominent Maoist leader active in the area.

Surrender Ceremony for Maoist Cadres

In a formal ceremony attended by Director General of Police (DGP) Y.B. Khurana, several Maoist cadres surrendered. The individuals who surrendered handed over a cache of weapons, including AK-47s and self-loading rifles (SLRs), and were honored with traditional shawls under the Odisha Police Naxal Surrender banner. DGP Yogesh Bahadur Khurana announced that 22 Naxalites had surrendered with their weapons, which included AK series rifles and INSAS rifles. He expressed hope that more Naxalites would follow suit and reintegrate into society, urging all Naxalites to abandon violence as the government has made arrangements for their rehabilitation.

Context of the Surrender

This event marks the first major collective surrender in Odisha for 2025 and comes amid a nationwide increase in anti-Naxal operations. The Swabhiman Anchal region, part of the Malkangiri district along the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border, has long been a stronghold for Maoists. The surrendered cadres will now participate in the state's rehabilitation program, which offers financial assistance, vocational training, and integration into mainstream society.