Malkangiri, June 13: In a significant breakthrough in the ongoing anti-Maoist operations, the Malkangiri District Police in Odisha on Friday arrested two most-wanted red rebels.
According to police sources, the arrested Maoists have been identified as Kesa Kwasi, hailing from Darbha area under Bastar district of Chhattisgarh, and Rakesh alias Sanu Kunjam, a native of Gangulur area in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh.
The operation, which took place in the early hours of June 13 (Friday), is being hailed as a major success by the state police headquarters.
Acting on specific intelligence about Maoist movement near the forest area between Sodiguda and Tentuliguda villages under Mathili police station limits, a special police team was formed and a search operation was launched on the night of June 12.
During the operation, the Maoists attempted to escape from the forest and opened fire at the security forces in the early morning hours. The security personnel retaliated in self-defense, and nabbed the two Maoists, while others managed to escape. The police recovered a huge cache of arms and other incriminating materials from their possession.
Seized items include one pistol, six rounds of live ammunition, an electric detonator, codex wire, gunpowder, a walkie-talkie set, batteries, and other materials.
Both Kesa Kwasi and Sanu Kunjam are reported to be involved in several Maoist-related incidents across Odisha. Kwasi is linked to cases under Baipariguda and Kundra police stations in Koraput district, as well as Mathili police station in Malkangiri district. Similarly, Sanu Kunjam is also involved in cases registered under Mathili police station jurisdiction.
Police officials emphasized that the arrest of these two high-ranking Maoists is expected to deliver a serious blow to Maoist operations in the region.
Further investigations are underway to trace their links and uncover broader Maoist networks.
