Senior Maoist Leader Sukru Surrenders in Kandhamal, Odisha
In a significant development for counter-insurgency efforts, top Naxal operative Kosa Sodhi, widely known as Sukru, surrendered along with four of his associates in Kandhamal district on Tuesday. This move comes just two months after Sukru was allegedly involved in orchestrating the murder of fellow Maoist leader Anwesh, who was planning to surrender.
Police Hail Surrender as Major Achievement
Director General of Police Y B Khurania described the surrender as a crucial milestone, aligning with the Centre's goal to eliminate left-wing extremism (LWE) by March 31. "The number of Maoists left in Odisha is now only 9 or 10," Khurania stated, emphasizing the dwindling presence of insurgents in the state.
Additional Director General (anti-Naxal operations) Sanjeeb Panda highlighted the importance of Sukru's surrender, noting that he was the last senior active Maoist in Odisha following the earlier surrenders of Nikhil and Indu on February 6. "Since the group's last top leader has surrendered, LWE activities have almost ended in the state," Panda remarked.
Profile of Sukru and His Role
Sukru, a 49-year-old native of Malkangiri district, held the rank of special zonal committee member, equivalent to a state committee member and the second-highest position in the Maoist hierarchy. He carried a bounty of Rs 55 lakh and was leading the Kandhamal-Kalahandi-Boudh-Nayagarh (KKBN) division. Since 2025, he had been in charge of the state military command in the Kandhamal area, commanding a group of 13-15 cadres across the borders of Kandhamal, Kalahandi, and Rayagada districts.
Background of Anwesh Murder Case
Last month, Kandhamal police registered a murder case against Sukru for allegedly ordering the killing of Anwesh, a divisional committee member with a bounty of Rs 27.5 lakh, to prevent his surrender. On January 29, Maoist leader Jagesh executed the order by slitting Anwesh's throat and burying the body in Kandhamal's forest.
The incident came to light after four Maoists surrendered on February 6 and informed the police. Jagesh and a woman cadre were later killed in an encounter on February 22, and Anwesh's body was exhumed on February 25.
Odisha on Verge of Being Declared Maoist-Free
With Sukru's exit, Odisha is poised to be declared Maoist-free, according to police sources. The state police credited the special intelligence wing, special operations group, Kandhamal district police, and central armed police force for this breakthrough. Authorities have urged the remaining lower-rung operatives to surrender or face elimination, signaling a robust push to end LWE activities in the region.
