Maoist Commander Allegedly Killed by Leader Over Surrender Plan in Odisha
A Maoist commander, carrying a reward of Rs 22 lakh on his head, was allegedly killed by his leader for intending to surrender to the Odisha Police, according to a senior officer. The incident highlights growing internal strife within Maoist groups in the region.
Details of the Incident
The commander, identified as Anwesh, also known as Renu, was a native of Sukma in neighbouring Chhattisgarh. He served as a divisional committee member (DVCM) and military platoon commander of the KKBN (Kalahandi-Kandhamal-Boudh-Nayagarh) Division. Police reported that he was allegedly killed by notorious Naxal leader Sukru on January 29.
On Wednesday, police in Kandhamal district exhumed his decomposed body from the Pakari reserve forest area under Daringbadi police station limits. The exhumation was conducted following strict legal protocols in the presence of an executive magistrate, ensuring proper procedures were adhered to during the investigation.
Motivation Behind the Killing
Kandhamal SP Harish BC stated, "It has been ascertained that Anwesh was killed by Sukru and his associates when the former was preparing to surrender before the Odisha Police along with some other Maoist cadre." The murder is believed to have been executed by State Zonal Committee Member (SZCM) Sukru, with assistance from DVCM Sila and area committee member (ACM) Jagesh.
Jagesh was later neutralised in an exchange of fire with security forces on February 22 in the Nandabali Reserve Forest area in Kandhamal district, adding another layer to the ongoing conflict.
Implications for Maoist Groups
Top officials engaged in anti-naxal operations in Odisha noted that this incident exposes significant internal conflicts within Maoist groups over the issue of surrendering to authorities. The leadership's opposition to surrender attempts has led to violent reprisals, indicating a crackdown on dissent within their ranks.
This event underscores the challenges faced by security forces in combating Maoist insurgency while also revealing the vulnerabilities and power struggles within the groups themselves. The ongoing operations in Odisha continue to target key figures involved in such activities.
