Odisha Police Cracks Down on Maoists, Warns Public Against Harboring Injured Rebels
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In a major escalation of operations, Odisha Police has intensified its efforts to apprehend Maoist rebels in Kandhamal district. The move comes a day after security forces neutralized four top Maoist leaders, including Ganesh Uike, who was carrying a ₹1.2 crore bounty on his head. The additional DGP Sanjeeb Panda revealed that security forces are conducting thorough combing operations in the forested areas, bordering Ganjam district, with the aim of capturing more Maoists who may have been injured during the previous day's encounter. Panda urged the local public not to provide shelter to such injured individuals, as they may be Maoists from neighboring Chhattisgarh. The joint force, comprising the Odisha Special Operations Group, CRPF, BSF, and District Voluntary Force, has been strengthened with additional personnel to carry out the operations in the forested areas and possible hideouts. According to Panda, the Maoists first opened fire on security personnel, firing around 100 rounds, which were retaliated by the security forces. The exchange of fire lasted for some time before the Maoists fell silent, allowing the search operation to recover four bodies. The officer suspects that some individuals may have sustained injuries and fled the scene. Ganesh Uike, alias Rupa, Rajesh Tiwari, Chamru, and Pakka Hanumantu, was a native of Pullemala village in Telangana's Nalgonda district. The other Maoists killed in the encounter were identified as Rajani, Umesh, and Sima, all of whom were party members carrying rewards of ₹1.65 lakh each. During the subsequent searches, security forces recovered two INSAS rifles, one .303 rifle, and other Maoist materials from the encounter site. This is the latest in a series of encounters in the region, following the killing of two Maoists, Bari alias Rakesh and Amrit, on December 24 in Belghar police station area of Kandhamal district. They were carrying rewards of ₹15.5 lakh and ₹1.65 lakh, respectively.
