Odisha Police received a major boost in its anti-Maoist operations ahead of the March 31 deadline to eliminate Left Wing Extremism, as State Committee Member Sukru and four other Maoist operatives surrendered before Kandhamal police on Tuesday.
“Kosa Sodi alias Sukru, a senior CPI (Maoist) leader carrying a bounty of ₹55 lakh on his head, surrendered along with four party members,” said Sanjeeb Kumar Panda, Additional Director General of Police and chief of anti-Maoist operations in Odisha, while speaking to the media.
Mr. Panda said that with this development, the number of active Left Wing Extremists in Odisha has come down to single digits. The surrendered cadres also handed over weapons, including an AK-47 rifle.
Sukru, a native of Malkangiri district, had been associated with Maoist organisations for over two decades and was considered one of the last remaining senior leaders of CPI (Maoist) in the State.
“Following Sukru’s surrender, the CPI (Maoist) is left with no recognisable leadership in Odisha. It is only a matter of time before the remaining cadres lay down their arms,” Mr. Panda said.
