Did Odisha Police Successfully Neutralise Two Maoists?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Odisha Police neutralised two Maoists in a significant operation.
- The encounter occurred in Puranajiaba Reserved Forest.
- Manku and Chandan were affiliated with the CPI-Maoist.
- The operation highlights efforts to combat insurgency.
- Government aims to eradicate Maoism by March 2026.
Bhubaneswar, June 30 (NationPress) On Monday, the Odisha Police successfully neutralised two notorious Maoists during a confrontation in the Puranajiaba Reserved Forest located in Kandhamal district.
The deceased Maoists were identified as Manku and Chandan, affiliated with the Kalahandi-Kandhamal-Boudh-Nayagarh (KKBN) division of the banned Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist).
Manku served as an Area Committee Member (ACM) within the KKBN of the CPI(Maoist), while Chandan was also a member of this outlawed group.
Intelligence reports indicated that several Maoists were sheltering in the Puranajiaba Reserve Forest under the jurisdiction of the Baliguda Police station.
Acting on this information, Superintendent of Police Harish B.C directed the District Voluntary Force (DVF) to initiate an anti-Maoist operation in the area.
The encounter started around 12 PM on Monday, resulting in the neutralisation of Manku and Chandan. Following the confrontation, the DVF intensified their operations and recovered the bodies of the Maoists.
Y.B. Khurania, Director General of Police of Odisha, praised Kandhamal SP Harish B.C and the DVF team for their achievement.
In a press release, Odisha Police hailed this incident as a significant victory in their ongoing battle against Maoist activities.
Earlier on June 13, the Malkangiri Police apprehended two notorious CPI(Maoist) operatives who had rewards of Rs 3 lakh each on their heads.
Reports indicate that six Maoists were killed by security forces, and eight others were detained in 2024 within Odisha.
Additionally, police sources disclosed that 24 Maoists have surrendered this year. During a public event in Telangana, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reaffirmed the government's commitment to eradicate Maoism from India by March 2026, urging Maoists to abandon violence and rejoin society.