Odisha's Most Wanted Maoist Leader Sukru, Carrying Rs 55 Lakh Bounty, Gives Up Arms

In a major boost to Odisha's anti-Maoist operations, wanted Maoist leader Sukru alias Kosha Sodhi carrying a bounty of Rs 55 lakh on his head has surrendered before the Kandhamal police along with four others. He also brought an AK-47 assault rifle.

ADG (Anti-Maoist Operations) Sanjeeb Panda confirmed that the five are now in police custody. They will formally announce their surrender at a public event tomorrow.

Sukru, 49, a resident of Malkangiri district and a state committee member of the banned CPI (Maoist), was the most senior active Maoist in Odisha. He led a small group of around 13 rebels, mostly from Chhattisgarh, operating mainly in Kandhamal district.

The police said Sukru had become a major hurdle for surrenders. In January this year, he allegedly killed his junior Anwesh, a divisional committee member and military platoon commander who wanted to lay down arms. Anwesh's body was buried in the jungle with the help of associates including Shila and Jogesh.

Jogesh was later killed by the security forces on February 22. Sources said intense pressure from continuous police operations, drone surveillance, and family appeals finally pushed Sukru towards surrender, despite opposition from some associates.

DGP YB Khurania had earlier said that security forces had precise information on Sukru's hideout in the dense trijunction forests of Kandhamal, Rayagada, and Kalahandi and were conducting operations there.

With recent surrenders - including 10 Maoists led by Sanu Pottam on March 11, and 11 others led by Nakul on March 15 - the state is now very close to its target of becoming Maoist-free by March 31.

Officials expressed hope that Sukru's surrender will encourage the remaining cadres to join the mainstream under the state's surrender and rehabilitation policy.

With inputs from Dev Kumar