Bhubaneswar: Odisha government on Friday announced a cash reward of Rs 10 lakh for Bolangir and Kandhamal police for their success in anti-Maoists operations in which seven ultras were killed earlier this week.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced the cash reward soon after concerned Superintendents of Police of both the districts and headquarters' officers briefed the former about the recent anti-Maoist operations, informed DGP, RP Sharma today.
"Apart from the existing financial assistance, the Chief Minister has announced additional cash reward of Rs 10 lakh for Kandhamal and Bolangir police. This will certainly boost the morale of security forces as well as police engaged in anti-Naxal operations in different parts of the State," said Sharma.
Sources said that the Odisha CM announced the special award after the efforts of Odisha Police garnered praise from different quarters.
Following recent successes of the Odisha Police, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had spoken to Naveen Patnaik over phone and congratulated the State police and acknowledged their efforts in tackling Maoist menace.
At least seven Maoists were gunned down by police and security forces in separate encounters in Kandhamal and Bolangir districts earlier this week.
Five Maoists were killed during a combing operation at Sudukumpa forest in Kandhamal's Golanki village, while two were killed in Dudkamal village of Bolangir district.