​​​​​​​Bhubaneswar, March 24: In a significant development, Sukru, one of the most wanted Maoist leaders, surrendered to the Kandhamal Police on Tuesday.

According to reports, Sukru was accompanied by four other Maoists who also laid down their arms.

This breakthrough was officially confirmed by Y.B. Khurania, Director General of Police, Odisha.

Sukru was a state committee member who surrendered with an AK-47 rifle, Khurania said.

A native of Malkangiri district, Sukru was considered one of the last remaining Maoist leaders active in the state, he added.

Sukru had been a key figure in Maoist activities, especially in the Kandhamal district, and had been evading authorities for years. With a bounty of Rs 55 lakh on his head, he was considered a top target due to his involvement in multiple insurgent operations. His surrender is seen as a major victory for security forces in the region.​​​​​​​

The surrender came as the Centre's March 31 deadline to end Left-Wing Extremism approaches.

Security forces, comprising the Special Operations Group (SOG), CRPF, District Voluntary Force, and BSF, had intensified anti-Naxal operations at the tri-junction of the Kandhamal, Rayagada, and Kalahandi districts, where Sukru and his associates were hiding, an official said.