How Did Odisha Police Neutralise Two Maoists in a Gunfight?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a decisive operation, the Odisha Police neutralised two hardcore Maoists in the Puranajiaba Reserved Forest. This encounter signifies a major achievement in the battle against Maoist insurgency, reflecting the government's commitment to restoring peace and order in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Odisha Police neutralised two Maoists during a gunfight.
- Manku and Chandan were part of the CPI-Maoist group.
- The operation highlights the police's commitment to combating insurgency.
- Officials are pushing for a resolution to Maoism by 2026.
- Community engagement and dialogue remain essential for lasting peace.
Bhubaneswar, June 30 (NationPress) The Odisha Police successfully neutralised two notorious Maoists in a firefight within the Puranajiaba Reserved Forest located in Baliguda, part of the Kandhamal district.
The deceased Maoists have been identified as Manku and Chandan, affiliated with the Kalahandi-Kandhamal-Boudh-Nayagarh (KKBN) faction of the banned Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist).
Manku served as an Area Committee Member (ACM) in the KKBN, while Chandan was also a member of the illegal group.
On receiving intelligence regarding the presence of Maoists in the Puranajiaba Reserve Forest under the jurisdiction of Baliguda Police Station, the Kandhamal district Police acted swiftly.
Following instructions from Superintendent of Police Harish B.C, the District Voluntary Force (DVF) initiated an anti-Maoist campaign in the region.
A firefight erupted between the DVF personnel and the Maoists around noon on Monday, resulting in the neutralisation of Manku and Chandan. The DVF intensified their operations after recovering the Maoists' bodies.
Y.B. Khurania, the Director General of Police for Odisha, commended Kandhamal SP Harish B.C and the DVF team for their successful mission.
In a press release, the Odisha Police hailed this as a significant achievement in their ongoing efforts against Maoist insurgents.
Previously, the Malkangiri Police apprehended two notorious CPI(Maoist) operatives, each with a bounty of Rs 3 lakh, on June 13.
Reports indicate that security forces have eliminated six Maoists and arrested eight others in Odisha in 2024.
Police sources disclosed that 24 Maoists have surrendered in the same year. During a public event in Telangana, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reaffirmed the government's determination to eradicate Maoism from India by March 2026, urging Maoists to abandon violence and reintegrate into society.
Point of View
Ongoing efforts must focus on addressing the root causes of violence and fostering dialogue to ensure lasting peace.
NationPress
30/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the Puranajiaba Reserved Forest?
The Odisha Police neutralised two hardcore Maoists during a gunfight on June 30.
Who were the Maoists involved?
The slain Maoists were identified as Manku and Chandan, both associated with the CPI-Maoist.
What steps did the police take before the encounter?
The police acted on intelligence reports about Maoist hideouts and initiated an anti-Maoist operation.
How does this incident relate to the overall fight against Maoism?
This operation is part of ongoing efforts to eradicate Maoism, with government officials pledging to eliminate the issue by March 2026.
