Security forces killed Ganesh Uike (69), a central committee member of CPI (Maoist) carrying a reward of Rs 1.1 crore, along with three other Maoists during an encounter in the Chakapad area of Kandhamal district.
Among the dead were two female cadres.
Officials explained that Uike, a native of Nalgonda district in Telangana, had directed Maoist activities in Odisha for years. Acting on intelligence inputs, security forces launched a joint operation involving 23 teams of SOG, CRPF, and BSF in the Rambha forest range.
At around 9 am, Maoists opened fire on the advancing forces. Consequently, security personnel retaliated, which led to a fierce exchange of fire. As a result, Uike and three others were killed. Security forces later recovered two INSAS rifles and one .303 rifle from the encounter site.
This incident marks the second Maoist encounter in Odisha in 2025, raising the Maoist death toll in the state this year to four. Moreover, senior police officials described the operation as a major setback for Maoist activities in Odisha.
Authorities further emphasised that the Centre has set a target to eliminate left‑wing extremism nationwide by March 2026. Therefore, intensified operations in Odisha form part of that strategy. Meanwhile, security forces confirmed that combing operations are continuing in the forest range to trace remaining cadres.
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