Odia Naxalite from Cuttack among 16 killed during anti-Maoist operation along Odisha-Chhattisgarh border

In a major security operation along the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border, 16 Naxalites were neutralised by the security forces. Identification of the deceased individuals is currently underway, with 12 already identified.

The deceased mostly hailed from Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha and carried cash rewards of up to Rs 3 crore. Amongst those identified were prominent Central Committee members hailing from Odisha such as Chalapathi, Jairam, Satyam, Alok, and others. 

One of the Naxalites has been identified as Alok or Munna, from Niali in Cuttack. Various state governments had announced specific bounties for him, making him a highly sought-after figure. The Chhattisgarh government had announced Rs 8L on his head while Odisha and Andhra Pradesh both had set bounties of Rs 5L each.

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Alok was notorious and very active among the Naxals. He had been adept at evading capture by the security forces and operated across the states of Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha. 

Likewise, Chalapathi, also a key figure, had the highest combined bounty of Rs 90L on his head. The Chhattisgarh government had announced Rs 40L bounty while Odisha and Andhra had announced Rs 25L each. The other Naxalites included Jairam and Satyam, each carrying Rs 25L bounty.

Despite this success in neutralising high-profile insurgents, investigations continue as authorities work to verify the identities of the remaining deceased individuals. This operation marks a significant triumph for security forces striving to combat Maoist activities in this volatile region.

Meanwhile, CM Mohan Majhi has increased the risk allowance of SOG Jawans from the existing Rs 8000 to Rs 25000.