40 Maoists active in Odisha, presence across six districts: CM tells Assembly

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi informed the Legislative Assembly on Monday that 40 active Maoists are currently operating in the State.

Also Read: Two Maoists killed in Kandhamal encounter; security forces intensify combing operation

According to the Chief Minister, Maoist presence has been identified in six districts, such as Kalahandi, Rayagada, Kandhamal, Boudh, Bolangir and Bargarh, where small groups are reportedly carrying out the outlawed activities in select pockets.

CM Majhi stated that over the past five years, security forces have neutralised 48 Maoists and arrested 78 others. Additionally, 82 Maoists have surrendered during this period.

Providing recent figures, the Chief Minister said that in 2025 alone, 25 Maoist cadres were eliminated as part of ongoing anti-insurgency operations.

“There has been a gradual improvement in the situation arising from the Maoist problem in the State. At present, under the Central government’s Security Related Expenditure (SRE) scheme, only Kandhamal district has been placed in the “Other LWE Affected District” category, while the other eight Odisha districts — Malkangiri, Koraput, Nuapada, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Boudh, and Bolangir — have been placed in the “Legacy & Thrust District” category,” the CM told Assembly.

The update highlights continued security challenges in certain regions, even as enforcement efforts intensify.

Worth mentioning, Odisha moved closer to its goal of becoming a Maoist-free state after two Maoists were killed yesterday (on February 22, Sunday) in an exchange of fire with security forces in Nandabadi forest under Kandhamal district.

Security personnel continued an intensive combing operation in the forest area on Monday following intelligence inputs about the possible presence of senior Maoist leaders.