In a significant development in the fight against left-wing extremism, a top Maoist commander carrying a hefty bounty on his head has been neutralised in Odisha. The state police confirmed that Ganesh Uike, a senior leader with a Rs 1.1 crore reward for his capture, was gunned down in an encounter.
Encounter Details and Police Statement
The operation took place on Thursday, December 25, 2025. According to reports from the news agency PTI, which cited police sources, the encounter led to the death of the wanted insurgent leader. While specific details about the location and the exact sequence of events are still emerging, authorities have confirmed the identity of the deceased. The police action marks a major success for security forces in the region.
Profile of the Neutralised Leader
Ganesh Uike was a prominent figure within the Maoist organisational structure, operating in areas affected by Naxalite activity. The substantial bounty of Rs 1.1 crore (approximately 11 million rupees) on his head underscored the threat level he posed and his importance within the militant cadre. His elimination is expected to deal a severe blow to the operational capabilities of the group in certain zones.
Implications and Ongoing Operations
The killing of such a high-value target is a critical achievement for the Odisha Police and allied security forces. It demonstrates the continued pressure and intelligence-based operations being conducted against left-wing extremist groups. This incident is likely to have significant repercussions on the Maoist network in the state and neighbouring areas. Security analysts suggest it could lead to a temporary disruption in their activities and potentially trigger internal reorganisation within the group.
As of now, the police have stated that more details regarding the operation are awaited. The area is likely to remain under heightened security surveillance in the aftermath of the encounter. This event reaffirms the ongoing challenges and efforts in maintaining law and order in regions impacted by Maoist insurgency.
