Boudh, Feb 7: Boudh district has been officially declared 100 percent Maoist-free, Southern Range Inspector General of Police Niti Shekhar announced on Saturday. The declaration was made during a press conference held in Kandhamal.

Boudh had remained a Maoist-affected district for over 15 years. Although it was earlier declared Maoist-free in 2015–16, renewed Maoist activities led to the district once again being categorized as Maoist-prone.

Addressing the media, the IG said that sustained security operations and coordinated efforts have now succeeded in breaking the backbone of Maoist groups in Odisha, leading to the complete elimination of Maoist influence in Boudh district.