Top Maoist Leader Surrenders in Odisha

In a significant blow to left-wing extremism in Odisha, one of the state's most wanted Maoist leaders, Kosa Sodi alias Sukru, surrendered to security forces in Kandhamal district on Tuesday, along with four associates. The 49-year-old, who carried a bounty of Rs 55 lakh, handed over an AK-47 rifle during the voluntary surrender, officials confirmed.

Sukru, a member of the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist) state committee, had been active in the region's insurgency for nearly three decades. Born into the Koya tribal community in Kalimela, Malkangiri district, he joined the group in 1997 when the area was a Maoist stronghold. Known by aliases including Krishna and Raju, he recently commanded the group's Eighth Company in the Kalahandi-Kandhamal-Boudh-Nayagarh division, leading a unit of about 15 cadres, many from Chhattisgarh. Police sources reported that Sukru had attempted to thwart defections by killing Anwesh alias Renu, a 31-year-old divisional committee member planning to surrender with 12 others. His own decision to lay down arms stemmed from intensified anti-Maoist operations in Kandhamal, including drone surveillance of hideouts, and growing fears for his safety...