Bhubaneswar, March 31, 2026: Odisha Police has played a pivotal role in the ongoing battle against Naxalism, effectively neutralizing the threat in the state well ahead of the deadline set by the Central Government for March 31, 2026.

In a series of coordinated efforts, the Odisha Police forces have neutralized 27 Naxalites, including 17 in the Gariaband region. Additionally, 78 Naxals have surrendered to Odisha Police, with 42 more laying down their arms across the border in Chhattisgarh.

Sanjeeb Panda, the Additional Director General of Anti-Naxal Operations in Odisha, expressed pride in the achievements: "Odisha Police has been exceptionally successful in dismantling the Naxal threat in our state. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the SOG, CRPF, BSF, and our intelligence teams for their relentless dedication. In just the 2025-2026 period, we neutralized 27 Naxals, including 17 in Gariaband. Alongside, 78 Naxals chose to surrender to Odisha Police, and another 42 in Chhattisgarh. We are pleased to report that eight districts in Odisha are now free from Naxal influence."

Key Operations and Neutralizations

• January 20, 2025:A joint operation by Odisha and Chhattisgarh police led to the neutralization of Central Committee member Chalapathi, along with 16 other Maoists in Gariaband, Chhattisgarh.
• December 25, 2025:Central Committee member Ganesh Uike, who was leading Maoist activities in Odisha, was neutralized along with three others in Kandhamal district.

Notable Surrenders in Odisha

• December 23, 2025:A total of 22 Maoists, including Divisional Committee member Linge (Muye Madkam), surrendered in Malkangiri.
• February 7, 2026:15 Maoists, including State Committee members Nikhil and Indu, surrendered in Rayagada.
• March 11, 2026:10 Maoists, including State Committee member Sanu Pottam (Nitu), surrendered at Phulbani.
• March 15, 2026:11 Maoists, including Divisional Committee member Nakul, surrendered in Kalahandi.
• March 25, 2026:Five Maoists, including State Committee member Sukru (Kosa Sodi), surrendered in Phulbani.

Naxalites Surrendering in Chhattisgarh

• July 24, 2025:Seven Maoists, including State Committee member Bikesh, surrendered in Chhattisgarh.
• March 1, 2026:15 Maoists from the BBM division, including Vikash (Sudarshan), surrendered in Chhattisgarh.

Recovery of Weapons

From 2025 to March 31, 2026, Odisha Police recovered a total of 134 weapons, including:

• 7 AK-47 rifles
• 11 INSAS rifles
• 24 SLR rifles
• 2 carbines
• 1 9mm pistol
• 12 .303 rifles
• 77 other assorted weapons

These significant achievements highlight Odisha Police’s unwavering commitment to eradicating Naxalism, ensuring peace and security for the citizens of the state.​​​​​​​Bottom of Form