Odisha Police DG visits newly established BSF base; reviews anti-Maoist preparedness in Kandhamal

Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurania on Sunday reviewed security arrangements in Kandhamal district and assessed ongoing anti-Maoist operations during an official field visit. The state police chief visited Penamala, under Raikia police limits, where a 118 Battalion BSF company camp has started functioning in a Maoist-affected zone.

Sources informed that the DGP inspected the infrastructure being developed at the base and held detailed discussions with BSF personnel and senior district police officials on strengthening offensive and defensive measures against Maoist groups believed to be hiding in the interior forests of the region.

Major Anti-Maoist Push Planned

Sources informed that security forces are preparing to launch large-scale operations targeting remaining Maoist pockets across Kandhamal and adjoining districts. Officials confirmed that the new camp will serve as a key forward post for coordinated BSF-Odisha Police actions, particularly in dense and strategically challenging terrain.

Speaking to the media during his visit, DG Khurania said the focus is on improving logistics and supporting security personnel engaged in sustained operations.

“A new company base has started operations here. Construction activities have begun here, and I am here to review the requirements for accommodation,” he noted.

DG Reviews Morale, Pays Tribute to Martyrs

Referring to recent joint offensives in the district, Khurania stated that he was assessing morale and preparedness following incidents in which security personnel had laid down their lives in the line of duty.

“After recent BSF and SOG operations, I am also examining the operations and morale of our jawans after some were martyred here,” he said.

Expressing satisfaction over the preparedness at the camp, the DGP added, “I am quite pleased with the situation here. The jawans are working hard for the national target of eliminating Maoist extremism.”

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Senior Officers Accompany The Visit

During the inspection, Khurania was accompanied by Kandhamal Superintendent of Police Harish Bishoi, G. Udayagiri SDPO Vijay Kumar Bishoi, and intelligence officers from the state unit.

The visit is part of a continuing review of security deployments across Odisha’s vulnerable pockets, with the police leadership aiming to consolidate recent gains and expand operational dominance in Maoist-influenced areas.