In a significant development amid intensified anti-Naxal operations, a senior commander of the Communist Party of India (Maoist), carrying a bounty of ₹22 lakh, was allegedly killed by a fellow Maoist leader after he expressed his intention to surrender before police in Kandhamal district, Odisha, sources in the intelligence wing said.
The decomposed body of Maoist leader Anwesh alias Renu, a Divisional Committee Member of the Kandhamal-Kalahandi-Boudh-Nayagarh (KKBN) division, was exhumed from a reserve forest under the jurisdiction of Daringbadi police station on Wednesday.
“Anwesh was allegedly killed and buried in the Pakari reserve forest area in end-January by a senior Maoist leader identified as Sukru, who is believed to be heading Maoist operations in the region. We received intelligence inputs regarding the murder and burial of the Maoist commander,” said an intelligence bureau official working on Left Wing Extremism in central India.
“Acting on the tip-off, two platoons of security forces launched a search operation and recovered the body from the Pakari reserve forest area. An investigation has been initiated to ascertain the exact circumstances surrounding the killing,” the officer said.
Preliminary findings suggest that Anwesh, along with 12 members of his group, was planning to surrender before security forces as Maoist influence in the area had weakened considerably. However, Sukru reportedly opposed the move and warned him against surrendering.
Police suspect that Anwesh was killed after he ignored the warning and proceeded with his plans to surrender.
According to police, Anwesh was a native of Sukma district, Chhattisgarh, and was wanted in multiple cases. The government had announced a reward of ₹22 lakh for information leading to his capture.
Officials said Maoist activities in Kandhamal district are mainly concentrated in the Daringbadi and Raikia police station areas. However, sustained security operations have significantly weakened Maoist presence.
“There were more than 127 Maoists active in Kandhamal district in January 2025. After continuous operations, the number has now reduced to less than 30,” the officer said.
He added that Sukru remains a key target for security forces. “Once he surrenders, more Maoists may follow,” he said.
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while addressing the 87th CRPF Day Parade last week, reiterated the government’s commitment to eliminate Naxalism from the country by the March 31 deadline.
Security forces have intensified anti-Maoist operations across Odisha and adjoining states as part of the Centre’s broader strategy to dismantle insurgent networks.
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