Odisha’s anti-Naxal operations achieved a major success as the most wanted Maoist leader, Sukru, alias Kosha Sodhi, surrendered before Kandhamal police along with four associates. He handed over an AK-47 rifle during the surrender.
Sukru carried a reward of Rs 55 lakh on his head. He remained highly active in the Kandhamal district and operated a Maoist outfit called “Eighth Company.” His surrender marks a significant breakthrough in the state’s campaign against Maoist insurgency.
ADG (Anti-Naxal Operations) Sanjeeb Panda confirmed that Sukru and his associates are now in police custody. Officials plan to formally announce their surrender at a public event tomorrow.
Sukru, 49, hailed from Malkangiri district and served as a state committee member of the banned CPI (Maoist). He led a group of around 13 rebels, mostly from Chhattisgarh, who operated in the Kandhamal forests. Police said Sukru had become a major obstacle to surrenders, even killing his junior Anwesh earlier this year when Anwesh attempted to lay down arms.
Security forces intensified operations in the tri-junction forests of Kandhamal, Rayagada, and Kalahandi, using drone surveillance and combing drives. Family appeals also pressured Sukru to surrender.
Recent surrenders, including 10 Maoists led by Sanu Pottam on March 11 and 11 others led by Nakul on March 15, have brought Odisha closer to its target of becoming Maoist-free by March 31. Officials expressed hope that Sukru’s surrender will encourage remaining cadres to join the mainstream under the state’s rehabilitation policy.
