Odisha Timeline 2016

Date

Incidents

January 2

The CPI-Maoist cadres set ablaze eight pieces of machinery used in road construction work at Sirigidi in Nuapada District. The contracting company that has undertaken the project had parked the machinery at the construction site. Around 15 armed cadres came to the site and asked the labourers to leave the camp. They also snatched their mobile phones.

Odisha State Committee of the CPI-Maoist called for Odisha and Chhattisgarh bandh on January 8. One Budhuram, the spokesperson of the Sunabeda and Menpur division of the CPI-Maoist, in the video tape appealed to the denizens of Nuapada, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Gariabandh, Mahasamund, Dhamtari and Kanker to support the bandh.

Maoists had posted several posters on the walls and doors of houses in Sarajanga village in Nuapada District.

A woman CPI-Maoist cadre, identified as Kalamdei Majhi (24), surrendered before the Kalahandi District SP, as she was "disgusted" with the Maoists' activities.

Suspected CPI-Maoist cadres killed a businessman, identified as Bapi Samanta, at Dandabadi village under Boipariguda Police Limits in Koraput District.

Cadres of the CPI-Maoist set ablaze construction equipment at Nuadihi village near Dublabahal under Melchamunda Police Station limits in Bargarh District. According to reports, 25 armed cadres arrived at the office of a contractor, who is laying road under Biju Expressway on Sohela-Nuapada stretch in Nuadihi village, woke up the labourers who were sleeping in the camp and sought petrol after identifying themselves as Maoists.

Maoists have called a two-day bandh starting today, in Nuapada, Kalahandi and Malkangiri Districts to protest against 'Operation Green Hunt.' The protesting Maoists belong to the Mainpur-Nuapada divisional committee and have put up posters and banners announcing the bandh at some places in these Districts.

Maoist posters were found in Lanjigarh and Muniguda area in Kalahandi and Rayagada Districts respectively. In the posters the Maoists said the Police had killed some tribals in Kalahandi, Nuapada and Rayagada Districts recently in fake encounters.

Two BSF personnel were killed and another sustained injuries in landmine blast triggered by the CPI-Maoist in an area near Kaliajhula forests under Boipariguda Police limits in Koraput District. Sources said the Maoists, who had killed a local trader, Bapi Samant (37), late on January 7, had planted landmines anticipating movement of the SFs. When the news of the killing was reported, the BSF sent in a team to comb the area. A 30-member team was combing the forests when the Maoists triggered the landmines.

CM Naveen Patnaik expressed concern over inroads made by the LWE in four central Odisha Districts and asked senior Police officers to pay special attention to curb their influence. Addressing the valedictory function of senior Police officers' conference in Bhubaneswar, CM Patnaik said, "The Left wing extremism continues to be a major concern for the State. Though we have been able to contain the menace to the areas bordering our neighbouring States, the recent movement and activities of the Maoist cadre in the districts of Bolangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamal and Boudh is worrisome." "We should handle this new development effectively. We have already created adequate resources in terms of manpower, equipment and other logistics supplemented by the deployment of central armed police forces. There is no reason why the police leadership cannot counter the inroads made by the Maoist into the central Odisha," the Chief Minister pointed out.

A powerful IED, suspected to be planted by the CPI-Maoist, was recovered from Adava Police Station limits in Gajapati District. The bomb in a tiffin box was located near Paniganda forest beat house when the security personnel involved in combing operation in the region came across a suspicious-looking wire protruding from below the ground. Gajapati SP Satyajit Nayak said this IED contained around 10 kg explosive materials. However, initial evidences hint that the IED may have been planted by the Maoists in 2009.

A CPI-Maoist camp was busted by the SFs following an exchange of fire in Kholibhitar inside Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary in Nuapada District. There was no casualty on either side. Nuapada Superintendent of Police (SP) Pinak Mishra said there was a group of 20 to 25 Maoists in the camp and it managed to escape under the cover of darkness.

Maoist posters were found at several places in Rayagada District. In the posters, the Maoists have warned of stringent punishment to people who are buying lands from the poor local people for various companies and other business purposes. The posters were found at Sikarpai, Kumbharguda, Krushapatraguda and Kalisundar Mandir Chhak under Sadar block.

The CPI-Maoist have reportedly set up another division in the Andhra Odisha Border to regain their hold in the Srikakulam region in Andhra Pradesh, and Gunupur and Gudari forest areas and Rayagada in Odisha. The new division has been christened the Odisha-Srikakulam division, sources claimed.

The Odisha State Government has decided to chalk out a 'new strategy' to check LWE in the State, particularly Balangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamal and Boudh Districts at the unified command meeting. Earlier, CM Naveen Patnaik said LWE continues to be a major concern for the State at the senior police officers' conference. "To tackle the Maoist menace in the State, the meeting focused on two crucial issues - strengthening intelligence gathering network and proper coordination between local Police and central paramilitary force," a senior police officer, who attended the meeting, said requesting anonymity.

A powerful IED planted by the CPI-Maoist in the past was recovered from the Adava Police Station limits of Gajapati District.

Suspected CPI-Maoist cadres of Koraput-Srikakulam Division hacked a trader to death in Bargi village under Narayanpatna Police Station limits in Koraput District. The deceased has been identified as Rohini Nachika (40). According to Police reports, at least 20 armed Maoists entered the village late in the night and asked Nachika to come out of his house. Accusing him of being a 'police informer', they killed him. They left behind a poster at his house in which they claimed that Nachika was punished as he helped Police with information about the cadres. Police denied the Maoist claim.

CPI-Maoist cadres have killed a former Naib Sarpanch - Krishna Miniaka - in Kandho Tikarapada village under Bandhugaon Police Station limits in Koraput District. He was killed on the suspicion of being a 'police informer'. In a letter written in Telugu, Srikakulam Koraput Divisional Committee of the CPI-Maoist claimed responsibility for the killing. Sources said about 20 armed Maoists entered the village and called Miniaka out of his house.

An exchange of fire between the Police and the Maoists was reported in Tapdole forest under Takaurgarh Police Station limits in Angul District.

The Odisha Police killed two senior CPI-Maoist cadres - the secretary of Kalinga Nagar Divisional Committee, P. Kumarswami alias Sushil, and his wife Sundari Lingo alias Suni, in an encounter at Pacharipani in Deogarh District of Odisha. Sushil, a resident of Warangal in Andhra Pradesh, was allegedly involved in 78 cases, including 30 murders, in Angul, Deogarh, Keonjhar, Jajpur, Rayagada and Gajapati Districts of the Odisha. "When the SOG jawans approached the rebels' hideouts, Sushil and his aides fired at them prompting the jawans to retaliate. Sushil and his wife were neutralised on the spot while other cadres managed to escape. Efforts are on to nab them," said DGP K. B. Singh. Sushil was carrying reward of INR two million on his head while Suni carried INR 500,000 on her head. The DGP said Sushil was actively involved in the murder of ASI Umesh Marandi of Daitary Police Station in Keonjhar District in July 2010 and executed several mine blasts. The DGP said Sushil was trying to establish a red-corridor.

CPI-Maoist cadres set ablaze a JCB machine and a tractor engaged in road construction work at Dalianuji village under Muniguda Police Station limits in Rayagada District.

CPI-Maoist cadres threatening people to boycott Republic Day celebrations, hoisted black flags in several places in Bolangir District. The Maoists unfurled black flags on school premises in Chaulabngi in Khaparakhol block in the District leaving Mao posters and pamphlets appealing public to boycott the Republic Day, said sources.

CPI-Maoist cadres thrashed to death a villager of Kuaghar in Kandhamal District after branding him as a 'Police informer'. The victim, Biswambhar Kanhar was dragged out of his house in the late night and beaten to death. The Maoists accused Biswambhar of passing on information to Kandhamal SP Kanwar Vishal Singh about their movements. The Maoists accused Biswambhar of taking INR 50,000 from the Police for providing such information.

Two IEDs, weighing around 10-12 kilograms, planted by the Maoists to target SF personnel or civilians during the Republic Day celebrations were defused within the Muniguda Police Station limit near Pusuguda square at Hatamuniguda in Rayagada District.

Centre approved the raising of three IRBs in Odisha. At present, there are eight IRBs in Odisha. While Odisha got three along with neighbouring Jharkhand, five in Jammu and Kashmir, four in Chhattisgarh and two in Maharashtra were approved by Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Union Cabinet also approved seventy five percent of the vacancies of constables to be filled up from 27 core Districts in the four LWE affected states of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Maharashtra under SRE scheme.

CPI-Maoist cadres set ablaze three camps and eight construction vehicles in Pottangi area of Koraput District. Reports said more than 100 Maoists arrived at three contractors' camps at Taupadar, Barabandha and Kasuguda under the Pottangi Police Station limits and attacked the labourers while they were asleep. Later, they set fire to the three camps and eight road construction vehicles including a tractor, a JCB machine and five Poclain machines.

A tribal organisation called Naxal Hinsa Prapidita Manch has raised its voice against the Maoist killing of innocent civilians in Koraput District. They lodged their protest in a huge rally against the Maoists in Narayanpatna block of the District. The forum consisting of more than 2,000 tribals took out the rally and appealed to the Maoists to refrain from violence.

CPI-Maoist cadres orchestrated a landmine blast near Lakhpadar village under Kalyansinghpur Police Station limits in Rayagada District. An exchange of fire for over 45 minutes ensued between the Maoists and the security personnel at the spot. No Policeman was injured in the encounter.

During the search operation in the region, one IED, five rounds of live ammunition, two Maoist kitbags containing articles of their day-to-day use, medicines, Maoist uniform and literature were also recovered. Books on how to learn Odia were also recovered hinting that the Maoists were from outside Odisha and trying to learn the local language.

CPI-Maoist cadres killed a Dangoria Kondh youth identified as Shyamo Kadraka (22) of Nirgundi village under Kalyansinghpur Police limits in Rayagada District after trial in a kangaroo court. Maoists killed Shyamo suspecting him to be a 'police informer'. His body was found hanging from a tree, on the outskirts of the village. Villagers retrieved the body and cremated it. Shyamo had been warned of dire consequence by Maoists in December, 2015.

A group of CPI-Maoist cadres exchanged fire with SF personnel near Dongarjoda village under Gochhapada Police Station limits of Kandhamal District. Kandhamal SP Kunwar Vishal Singh said when the SOG, DVF and CRPF personnel involved in a joint anti-Maoist operation in the area asked the Maoists hiding in the forest to surrender they opened fire at the security personnel.

More than 200 Dongria Kondhs under the banner of Niyamgiri Suraksha Samiti locked Munikhol gram panchayat office in Muniguda block of Koraput District protesting Police action against them. They submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik through Muniguda BDO Rajib Behera.

SF personnel and CPI-Maoist cadres exchanged fire in Gundia Reserve Forest area of Kalahandi District leading to the recovery of Maoist literature and some other items from their camp. However, Odisha State Committee 'secretary' of the CPI-Maoist Balakrishna alias Modem alias Manoj, who was leading nearly 25 cadres and operating a camp in the area, managed to escape. He carries a reward of INR 2.5 million on his head, said Kalahandi SP Brijesh Ray. The SP further said after getting intelligence input about armed Maoists moving in Manaska, Panchkul, Kankaruan and Baghnakhi villages in the reserve forest under Bhawanipatna Sadar blocks, three groups of SOG were engaged in combing operation in the area from February 6. When the Maoists opened fire, the SOG troopers retaliated following which the Maoists escaped into the forest.

A woman CPI-Maoist cadre was killed during an exchange of fire between the SF personnel and the Maoists in a forest in Kalahandi District. The combing team comprising SOG and DVF also recovered arms from the spot. Kalahandi SP Brijesh Rai said on receiving intelligence information about movement of Maoists in Kanamanjur Reserve Forest, an intense combing operation was launched. The encounter, that took place near Supel on the bank of river Sagada between 3.30 pm and 4 pm, lasted for about 25 minutes. The Maoists fled into the forest leaving behind the body of the woman cadre, who is yet to be identified, the SP added.

Five CPI-Maoist cadres involved in several offensives surrendered in Malkangiri District. "We joined the CPI (Maoist) being motivated by the Red revolution. When we realised that the Maoists did nothing for the poor and tribals, we decided to return to the mainstream," said a surrendered Maoist. Police said the surrendered Maoists were working for the Kalimela 'area committee' of the Malkangiri division. The surrendered Maoist cadres have been identified as Bhima Kunjami, Malla Kunjami, Mukra Madhi, Sukra Sodi and Muka Madkami.

Security personnel seized several CPI-Maoist articles during a two-day joint combing operation at Udul under Handapa Police limits in Angul District.

CRPF DG Prakash Mishra has said Maoist menace is coming back again in Odisha and Telangana after lying low for some time with the overall situation in LWE-affected States remaining "fluid". The DG said while LWE activity in Odisha had by-and-large cleared up, it is now "coming back" in Narayanpatna area of Koraput District. He added "There could be many reasons (for this) -- non-application of Standard Operating Procedures or lax Policing. The inherent danger is always there...even in Telangana and some places in Andhra Pradesh." "As of now, I would say the situation is fluid but if the drive (operations and development together) continues as it is at the present, then I think it (Naxal violence) is going to take a turn for the better only. There shouldn't be any let down (in operations and development works) in affected areas," he said when asked to give his assessment of the Left Wing Extremism situation in the country.

Two CPI-Maoist militias, who reportedly triggered the landmine blast on January 8 that killed two BSF personnel, including a Deputy Commandant, were arrested in Koraput District. They were identified as Basudev Pradhani (37) and Bhagaban Minarbalia (28). According to Police sources, both were part of Boipariguda 'area committee' under Malkangiri-Koraput border division of the CPI-Maoist.

The Centre is ready to talk to Maoists if they lay down arms without any conditions, UMH Rajnath Singh said in Bhubaneswar. Expressing satisfaction over the success in anti-Maoist operations in the region, the Minister said "I have reviewed the security scenario in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. There has been improvement in curbing Maoist violence." Asked about the status of the IAP, a special development scheme for Maoist-affected areas, the Minister said "Implementation of the IAP has been discussed in detail. We will revive the programme." In Bhubaneswar, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik appealed to the Home Minister to sanction two companies of Central Forces for combating Maoists.

A village headman, identified as Penta Madkami, was killed by suspected CPI-Maoist cadres under Podia Police Station limits in Malkangiri District. Three Maoists arrived at Madkami's house and introduced themselves as Police officers. They entered his house and then killed him with an axe. Later, they asked some villagers to accompany them to an area nearby. However, suspecting foul play, the villagers caught hold of the three and handed them over to the Police.

A hardcore Maoist, carrying INR 100,000 reward on his head, and two 'militia members, surrendered before the SF personnel during an anti-Maoist operation in Kalahandi District. The surrendered Maoist was identified as Suka Majhi (20) of Chhattisgarh. Along with him, two other local militia members also surrendered. Their identity was not disclosed on security grounds.

A woman CPI-Maoist cadre, identified as Laxmi alias Ratna (20), carrying reward money of INR 200,000 on her head, surrendered before security personnel in Kalahandi District. She belonged to Palgurha village of Chhattisgarh. After undergoing training, she was working as an armed cadre for Modem Balakrishna alias Manoj of Odisha State Committee of the CPI-Maoist.

The current security situation in Naxal violence affected States is "good" and may improve further while parts of Odisha and adjoining areas are witnessing an increased activity of these cadres, said CRPF DG Prakash Mishra. Asserting that the violent activities and incidents of LWE attacks have "come down" in the last one year, he further said the situation still remains dynamic and sustained Police action along with development activities have to go in tandem to keep the LWEs under check. "If you go by the overall activities in the Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected states, I would say the situation is good. Their (Naxals) activity has come down," Mishra, who will be retiring at the end of this month (February), said while interacting with reporters. The DG added while States like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Bihar have been the focus areas of anti-LWE operations largely led by CRPF, some hinterland areas of Odisha and its border with Andhra Pradesh have recently seen a rise in LWE activities. "While situation on the LWE front has drastically improved, these new developments (along Andhra-Odisha border) need to be checked," DG Mishra added.

A CPI-Maoist cadre was killed and two others were injured in an encounter with SF personnel in a forest near Dangamati village under Kalyansinghpur Police Station limits around Niyamgiri hills of Rayagada District. The identity of the deceased is yet to be ascertained. A huge cache of arms, ammunition and Maoist literature were recovered.

CPI-Maoist cadres killed a tribal identified as Biswanath Khila (25) of Handikhal village in Chitrakonda area in Malkangiri District. Khila, who had gone to attend a marriage function, was taken away by a group of Maoists late night and his body with throat slit was found at Khajuribahal village this morning, Inspector In-Charge of Chitrakonda Police Station, Pitabas Dharua said adding the Maoists apparently suspected that Khila operated as a 'Police informer'.

CPI-Maoist cadres abducted two Dongria Kondh youths in Rayagada District suspecting them to be 'Police informers.' The abducted persons were identified as Syama Sikaka (24) and Ludu Wadeka (25).

DVF personnel and Police teams, led by the Rayagada SP, recovered huge cache of arms and ammunition from a camp near Dangamati village in Niyamgiri hills during a combing operation. This is being considered the first successful operation in the region in the last three years and a major success for Odisha Police as Maoists are trying to create a corridor through Rayagada-Kandhamal-Kalahandi districts to connect Chhattisgarh. About 40 members were present in the camp and in the exchange of fire, a middle-aged cadre was killed. Sources said the group was being commanded by Bauri Bandhu Sethi alias Sukhdev alias Bunty who was present at the camp. Bunty heads Bansdhara-Ghumsar Division of CPI-Maoist and operates a group of about 46 cadres.

Six days after Police claimed to have killed a CPI-Maoist cadre during an exchange of fire in Rayagada District the brother of the deceased charged security personnel of killing his sibling in a fake encounter and said the latter had no links with the extremists. "Police have killed my 20 year-old brother Mondo Kadraka and are falsely implicating him as a Maoist," Drika Kadraka, brother of the deceased said in Rayagada. On February 27, a team of security personnel claimed to have killed a Maoist during an exchange of fire in a forested area near Dangamati village under Kalyansinghpur police limits.

Odisha Human Rights Commission sought report from DIG (South-Western range) and RDC (Southern range) on the death of a Dongria Kandha (tribal) identified as Mondo Kadraka in an encounter on February 27.

About 150 CPI-Maoist supporters, including 13 militia members, 12 village committee members and two Gana Natya members of the outfit from Temrupalli, Pujariguda and Kukurkunda villages under Mathili Police Station limits in Malkangiri District, surrendered before the Police. The Maoist supporters went to Mathili Police Station and surrendered before SP Mitrabhanu Mahapatra, SDPO M Sandeep Sampad and 202 CoBRA Battalion Deputy Commandant Pawan Kumar.

The Bansadhara-Ghumusar-Nagavalli 'divisional committee' of the CPI-Maoist called for a bandh on March 15 protesting the Police encounter on February 27 that claimed the life of a Dongria Kondh.

40 CPI-Maoist sympathisers of Kirmiti village under Mathili Police Station limits in Malkangiri District withdrew their support to the Maoists and announced to support the administration in development activities. This came two days after 225 Maoist supporters surrendered before Police in the District. "After they realized that they got nothing by supporting the ultras they are now approaching the administration to speed up development works at their village," said Malkangiri SP Mitrabhanu Mohapatra.

The Niyamgiri 'area committee' of the CPI-Maoist has called for a bandh in Rayagada District on March 15 in protest against death of a Dongria Kondh, identified as Mondo Kadraka, in an alleged fake encounter on February 27. Secretary of the NAC identifying himself as Sukdev through messages sent to a few media persons in Rayagada alleged that Mondo was not a Maoist and the security personnel killed him in a fake encounter to create panic among the tribals. He said the extremists will observe bandh at Rayagada, Kalyansinghpur, Bissamkatak and Muniguda blocks of Rayagada District and Lanjigarh block of Kalahandi District.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik urged the Centre to sanction critical road projects in the LWE-affected districts and unconnected habitations in the State. The State Government proposal to construct 24 projects under the Road Requirement Plan Phase-II, covering a length of 375 km at a cost of INR 6.57 billion, may be sanctioned at the earliest, the Chief Minister said during a meeting with Union Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Birender Singh in New Delhi.

A 30-year-old woman CPI-Maoist cadre who was considered as an explosive expert surrendered before the Police at Bonai in Sundergarh District. Muli Munda alias Susanti had left the Maoist outfit months ago but was hiding from both Maoists and Police fearing threat to her life. She was part of the Anmol alias Samarjee group operating in Saranda Division of Jharkhand. "She was involved in several activities in Saranda jungle area between2010-15, particularly the Kolan area," ASP R. Panigrahi said.

19 supporters, who announced their willingness to give up arms, officially surrendered before the Police in Malkangiri District. The Maoist supporters reached District Police office en masse and surrendered their arms before SDPO M Sandeep Sampad, 202 CoBRA Battalion commandants Sudhendra Singh and Babu Singh. They were active members of Darbha Division of Maoists and were operating in areas under Mathili and Boipariguda Police limits in Malkangiri and Koraput Districts respectively. Among those who laid down arms, five were militia, three Village Committee members and two were members of Jana Natya Mandali.

Fifty-three people were executed by the CPI-Maoist after 'kangaroo courts' found them 'guilty' in the five worst Naxal-hit states of the country in the last three years. According to UMHA statistics, 18 civilians were killed following the directives of 'kangaroo courts' or 'Jan Adalats' in 2015 for being alleged 'Police informers' or "for not believing in Maoist ideology". During 2015, 41 'Jan Adalats' were held by Naxal cadres in five LWE affected states, Andhra Pradesh (1), Bihar (6), Chhattisgarh (14), Jharkhand (14) and Odisha (6). Altogether 15 civilians were executed in 2014 following orders of 54 'Jan Adalats' and 20 civilians were killed in 2013 under the directives of 63 'Jan Adalats'

In 2016, till February 15, two 'Jan Adalats' have been held in Chhattisgarh. While nearly one lakh paramilitary personnel continued to be deployed in LWE-affected areas, the 10 Naxal-hit states; Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh, saw 226 deaths in 1,088 incidents of violence perpetrated by Maoists in 2015. In 2015, of the 226 deaths, 168 were civilians and 58 were SF personnel. As many as 89 Maoists were also killed and 1,668 were arrested and 570 cadres surrendered before authorities during the year.

Suspected CPI-Maoist cadres killed a former Sarpanch identified as Gobardhan Bhuiyan (38) of Tentuligumma panchayat under Boipariguda block in Koraput District. The incident took place near a forested road on NH-326 near Tanginiguda when the former elected panchayat member was on way to his village on a motorcycle, Police said.

57 Maoist sympathisers, including 11 militia and two village committee members, surrendered before the Police in Malkangiri District. The supporters of Maoists' Kalimela and Padia Dalam units surrendered before the Police with a pledge to join the mainstream, SDPO, Madkar Sandeep Sampad said. Those who surrendered were members of Andhra Odisha Zonal Committee Division of the CPI-Maoist, he said, adding they were all residents of Tangguda village under Chitrangapalli Panchayat. "We welcome the 57 persons. The government will make arrangements for them under the surrender and rehabilitation policy," the SDPO said.

DGP, Kanwar Brajesh Singh reviewed the law and order situation, particularly the Maoist activities in four Districts of Kalahandi, Nuapada, Bolangir and Nabarangpur, and expressed confidence of having put the Maoists on the defensive. There are hardly 15 to 20 per cent of the Maoists in these areas while the rest often infiltrate from across Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, he said. Singh lauded the efforts of the SFs and also noted that several Maoists had surrendered in recent months.

Odisha DGP Kanwar Brajesh Singh reviewed the law and order situation, particularly the Maoist activities in four districts of Kalahandi, Nuapada, Bolangir and Nabarangpur, and expressed confidence of having put the Maoists on the defensive. There are hardly 15 to 20 per cent of the LWE here (in Odisha) while the rest often infiltrate from across Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, he said. Out of 13 blocks of Kalahandi Maoist movement is reported from 10 blocks. However, it is more acute in tribal pockets of Thuamul Rampur and Lanjigarh blocks, he added.

117 persons with CPI-Maoist links, including 36 militias, surrendered before Malkangiri SP in Malkangiri District. Those who surrendered included Maoist 'militia commander' Madhab Durua and village committee 'President' Moga Sodi. Total number of surrenders of Maoist elements in the District has risen over 400 during past 10 days.

More than 500 Dongria Kondhs under the banner of Niyamgiri Surakhya Samiti took out a protest rally with traditional weapons and gheraoed Kalyansinghpur Police Station in Rayagada District of Odisha. They were protesting the killing of a tribal youth, Manda Kadraka, in an encounter on February 27 and branding him as a Maoist by the police.

The bandh called by the CPI-Maoist in four blocks of Rayagada District of Odisha and one block of Kalahandi District in Odisha did not evoke much response except in Kalyansinghpur block of Rayagada District. The Maoists had called this dawn-to-dusk bandh to protest against their encounter with SF personnel near Dangamati village under Kalyansinghpur Police Station limits in Niyamgiri hills region on February 27.

17 people were abducted by the Naxals in the first two months of this year (2016) and they killed five of them, the UMHA informed the Lok Sabha. Of this, Jharkhand has the highest number of abductions and killings. While there were eight abductions in Jharkhand, two of them lost their lives at the hands of the CPI-Maoist. Chhattisgarh followed with four abductions and two killings. Last year (2015), there were 115 incidents of abduction by Maoists in which 62 people lost their lives. Chhattisgarh had the highest number of incidents at 39 followed by Jharkhand at 30.

53 people were executed by the Maoists after Jan Adalats found them "guilty" in the five worst LWE-hit States of the country in the last three years. Even as security agencies claim that the LWE spread in the country is shrinking, as per UMHA statistics, 18 people were killed following the directives of "kangaroo courts" in 2015 for being alleged Police informers or "for not believing in Maoist ideology." During 2015, 41 "Jan Adalats" were held by LWES in five LWE-affected States of Andhra Pradesh (1), Bihar (6), Chhattisgarh (14), Jharkhand (14) and Orissa (6). In 2014, Government statistics show that 15 people were executed following orders of 54 "Jan Adalats" and 20 people were killed in 2013 under the directives of 63 "Jan Adalats."

The body of a CPI-Maoist 'area committee member', killed during accidental blast of a landmine, was recovered in Pottangi Police Station area of Koraput District. It was suspected that he had died because of a blast that occurred while the Maoists were trying to plant an IED at this remote place to target Security Force personnel. The mutilated body was recovered from a place near Ralegada on Rajakuda-Kodeipadu road. Koraput Superintendent of Police (SP) C.S. Meena said some surrendered Maoists identified the deceased to be an active Maoist of ACM rank of AOBSZC. Evidences hinted that the man had died while planting the landmine.

An 'area committee' member of the CPI-Maoist who was killed while planting an IED in Koraput District targetting SF personnel has been identified as Jayaram (27). Though the incident took place on March 19 night Police came to know about it on March 20 evening after the body of the deceased was found near Kurailpadu village during a combing operation.

Around 270 CPI-Maoist "sympathisers" took a pledge before the Police not to render any help to the Maoists in Malkangiri District. The "sympathisers" belonged to several villages under Mathili Police Station jurisdiction, Malkangiri SP Mitrabhanu Mohapatra said.

As many as 19 revenue districts of Odisha are considered as Maoist-affected districts in varying degrees, CM Naveen Patnaik told the Odisha State Assembly.

Naxal activities continue to be a matter of concern with 35 Districts in seven states being badly-hit, according to the annual report of the UMHA for 2015-16. "Left Wing Extremism (LWE) remains an area of concern for internal security of the country," the report submitted to Parliament said. While 106 Districts in 10 States are affected by CPI-Maoist activities in varying degrees, 35 Districts in seven states are the most affected. "CPI (Maoist) continues to be the most potent among the various LWE outfits in the country and accounts for more than 80 per cent of total LWE violence incidents and resultant deaths," the report said.

Andhra Pradesh Greyhounds with assistance from Malkangiri District Police of Odisha from the other side of the border have launched a sudden and massive combing operation on the Andhra-Odisha border. Police sources claimed movement of Naxals- was spotted on the AOB and that the elite force has ventured deep to nab them.

A hardcore woman CPI-Maoist cadre from Andhra Pradesh, identified as Puwala Achhama alias Laxmi (27), carrying INR 400,000 award on her head in Odisha, surrendered in Koraput District. Laxmi also helped the Police in seizure of large quantity of materials of Maoist use including mines detonators, remote sensors and arsenal for IEDs and INR 144,000 in cash. Laxmi was the 'area committee member', third Central Regional Company.

An exchange of fire occurred between the CPI-Maoist and SF personnel inside the forest near Ladapadar under Gochhapada Police Station limits of Kandhamal District of Odisha. It occurred while personnel of SOG were involved in an anti-Maoist operation in the area. The Maoists managed to escape from the spot and no injury was reported from either side. The SF personnel seized goods of day-to-day use of Maoists from the spot.

Kiang based 202 CoBRA, which has been making efforts to bring CPI-Maoist supporters to the mainstream, 281 aides gave up arms before Police in Malkangiri District of Odisha. Natives of Sanguma and Barha villages of Kartanpalli gram panchayat under Mathili Police Station limits reached the District Police office en masse and announced their decision to join the mainstream before SP Mitrabhanu Mahapatra. They used to work for the Darbha Division of the CPI-Maoist in the remote and dense forest areas under Mathili Police Station limits, bordering Chhattisgarh, Mahapatra said.

As many as 184 SF personnel and 259 civilians were killed by CPI-Maoist in Odisha from 2005 till date (March 28, 2016) CM Naveen Patnaik informed the Odisha Assembly. In a written reply to a question from Duryodhan Majhi, BJP, the CM said the killed SF personnel included 36 from Andhra Pradesh and nine from Chhattisgarh. He said 152 Maoists were killed in Police encounters during the period. As many as 919 Maoist-related violent cases occurred in the State since 2005, he added.

The CM Naveen Patnaik added that annual incidents of violence related to CPI-Maoist have remained below 100 during the last four consecutive years in Odisha. Since 2013, the number of LWE violence reported from different districts has come down below 80 per year in sharp contrast over 100 incidents of violence each in preceding four years, said CM Patnaik. The year 2009 was the worst year in terms of numbers of violence. In that year, 148 such cases were reported while the following year (2010) too witnessed large incidents of violence. But in last three years, 2015, 2014 and 2013, numbers of violence in each year remained between 70 and 80. Till February 29, 2016, there has been report of 26 such cases. Security Forces have managed to neutralise over 20 Maoists in a year on four occasions. The CM said since 2014 as many as 171 Maoists had surrendered before the State Government. But out of 171, only 68 Maoists surrendered and joined the rehabilitation policy. Two of these surrendered Maoists were members of Central Committee and State Committee. At present, 19 Districts of Odisha are affected by the Maoist violence while there are recent reports of Maoist activities in Boudh and Angul Districts. To combat the Maoists, 17 battalions (9 CRPF and 8 BSF battalions) of Central Armed Police Force are supporting the State police. Odisha has received INR 2,955.79 crore under the Integrated Action Plan, Security Related Expenditure Scheme, Special Infrastructure Scheme, Construction and Strengthening of Fortified Police Scheme and Modernisation of Police Forces Scheme.

A CPI-Maoist camp was demolished and huge cache of arms and ammunition seized by SF personnel in Patdarah reserve forest area under Boden block in Nuapada District of Odisha. SP Pinak Mishra said the SF personnel seized five tiffin bombs of 2 to 3 kg each, 20 detonators, 30 metres of safety fuse wires, live bullets, medicines, Maoist uniforms and food materials.

A CPI-Maoist cadre is suspected to have sustained bullet injuries following an exchange of fire between SOG personnel at Pokhari bandh reserve forest in Kandhamal District of Odisha. "Our jawans found bloodstains in the forest after the ultras escaped from the spot," SP K.V. Singh said.

71 Maoist aides, including 18-militia members and six village committee members, surrendered before Malkangiri SP Mitrabhanu Mahapatra at District Police Office in Malkangiri District of Odisha.

About 167 CPI-Maoist supporters from the Mathili area of Malkangiri District of Odisha, surrendered before SP Mitrabhanu Mohapatra. According to the SP Mitrabhanu, those who surrendered were from Maoist-infested Daldali and Gurupadar villages. They included 56 women, nine Maoist militias, five village committee members of Maoists and four members of CNM, a frontal organisation of the CPI-Maoist.

The OMP 'chief', Sabyasachi Panda appeared before the District & Sessions Judge Court in Phulbani District of Odisha, in connection with three cases filed under Daringibadi Police Station limits. OMP is a splinter group of the CPI-Maoist. All the three cases were registered in 2011 when Panda was active in Daringibadi area.

Four suspected CPI-Maoist cadres killed trader Jayaram Pangi near Jalaput village in Nandapur Tehsil in Koraput District of Odisha and left behind a letter near the body which read that he was punished for his involvement in ganja smuggling and other anti-social activities. Police recovered the body and said that Pangi belonged to Singrai village under Chitrakonda Police limits and was involved in ganja smuggling.

Police arrested hardcore Maoist Dasru Kadraka (25), son of Majji Kadraka of Gorata village under Muniguda Police limits in Rayagada District of Odisha. Dasru was working as a 'militia commander' of the CPI-Maoist, Niyamgiri and involved in a number of crimes, informed the Rayagada SP.

Landmines planted by the CPI-Maoist cadres were found near Kudumuluguma block office in Malkangiri District of Odisha. The landmines were neutralised by a bomb defuse team of the BSF. A letter was too found from the spot in which Maoists wanted that the BSF personnel should leave the District at the earliest.

189 CPI-Maoist cadres and their sympathizers surrendered in front of SFs in Malkangiri District of Odisha. The Maoists surrendered in presence of officers of 202nd CoBRA unit of CRPF and Police. Those who surrendered include 25 Maoist cadres, 10 village committee members and 154 Maoist sympathizers, said officials.

A group of CPI-Maoist cadres allegedly killed a villager, identified as Manju Guntha (32), belonged to Semageda village of Kotiya panchayat under Pottangi Police limits in Koraput District, by slitting his throat. ASP BV Rao said, the Maoists reached Manju's house and asked him to come out. They later took him to a nearby forest and killed him, he added.

The Maoists set on fire an empty 'phadi', where dried kendu leaves are stored, at Gaurpali village of Lakhanpur panchayat under Ambabhona block in Bargarh District. There was no loss of life or property and only the roof of the shed has been gutted. Maoists have left behind two banners, in Hindi and Odia, claiming responsibility for the fire and accusing some Government officials of exploiting poor people.

Three persons were critically injured in a bomb blast at Kamakhyanagar in Dhenkanal District. All the injured persons have been admitted to hospital.

SF personnel busted a Maoist camp in a forested area near Chitrakonda in Malkangiri District. BSF jawans during combing operations in Khaipadar forested area near Chitrakonda busted the camp of Maoists and seized four guns and explosives from the camp, Police said. No arrests were made since the Maoists had vacated the camp by the time BSF personnel reached there.

Police recovered six crude bombs from Shanti Nagar at Chhatrapur in Ganjam District. Probe is on in the incident.

One Maoist leader named Benu, claiming to be 'secretary' of Malkangiri District committee of the CPI-Maoist, sent an audio clip to the media, through which, he criticised the surrender of hundreds of Maoist sympathisers and militias from the Mathili area of Malkangiri District. He termed these surrenders to be an outcome of use of force by the Police. He added that the Police were falsely implicating innocent persons as Maoists. He threatened to take revenge on leaders of the ruling BJD if these did not stop.

Demanding release of Dasru Kadraka (25), who was arrested on charges of being a Militia Commander in Rayagada District on April 6, more than 300 Dongria Kondhs took out a rally from Munikhol panchayat office and staged a demonstration before Muniguda Police Station in Rayagada District. They have threatened to resort to rail roko at Muniguda if their demands are not met at the earliest.

Maoist posters threatening to blow up the residence of Nuapada SP created a flutter in five gram panchayat headquarters in Nuapada District. The posters were found in Dharambandha, Chulabhat, Bharuanmunda, Motanuapada and Aamanara besides Torra village under Nuapada block where the Maoists had called a bandh on the day. The posters demanded cancellation of a proposal to construct Police Station in Dharambandha and threatened that anybody defying their dictates would be tried in Kangaroo Court. During the bandh the villagers preferred to remain indoors and all the business and commercial establishments remained shut. Even vehicles and public transport remained off the road.

Seven families of Sanyasiguda village under Andrapalli panchayat from the cut-off region deserted their homes out of fear of the Maoists and sought shelter at the Kudumulugumma Police Station in Malkangiri District.

CPI-Maoist cadres have killed a civilian, identified as Gajapati Majhi, branding him as a 'Police informer' in Nuapada District. Maoists killed Gajapati in a forest nearby his village.

Odisha DGP K. B. Singh while speaking to media persons during his visit to Ganjam and Berhampur said that Maoists from outside the State are planning for something inside Odisha. He further said Odisha Police were prepared to thwart any plans of the Maoists. The Times of India adds the DGP as saying that nine out of 30 districts in the State have been identified as Maoist-affected and the movement of the Maoists is largely felt in Kandhamal, Boudh and Kalahandi Districts.

A CPI-Maoist woman cadre, identified as Arjunamma, has died due to poisoning at Similipodar in Jodam panchayat of Kudumula Gumma block in Malkangiri District. This has raised doubts on whether the Maoists are losing ground in Malkangiri District of Odisha or just becoming victims of conspiracy. The woman Maoist and four others had fallen ill after consuming poison that villagers are said to have mixed in their juice. According to sources, the incident took place when a large number of Maoists were passing through the area and demanded food from the villagers, who were waiting for the chance to take revenge. The Maoists had killed two persons in the village a couple of years ago. Sources said the Maoists had collected food from various houses in the village. But they suspect that the poisonous food came from the house belonging to one Chandra as the five victims had consumed it. However, the entire village has gone underground due to fear of Maoist attack and are believed to have taken refuge in a BSF base camp at Jodam.

A tribal couple of CPI-Maoist-hit Bandhugaon block in Koraput District accused a SI of Bandhugaon Police Station of allegedly assaulting them. The couple sent a memorandum to the State Human Rights Commission and State Home Secretary on April 29, demanding immediate inquiry and necessary action against the officer. The complainant alleged that the SI called them to the Police Station in connection with a FIR lodged by his daughter-in-law over a family dispute and allegedly kicked his wife several times following which she fell unconscious. His son was put in the lock-up and assaulted. Some personnel of the Paramilitary Forces posted at the Police Station rescued the mother-son duo and got them admitted to Bandhugaon hospital. He further alleged that the SI demanded INR 10,000 from the couple to settle the case.

At least three suspected women cadres of the CPI-Maoist were killed by the anti-Maoist SOG in an encounter in the Sahajkhaol Reserve Forest in Kalahandi District. The SP, Kalahandi, Brijesh Rai said that an exchange of fire ensued between SOG jawans and the Maoists around 5 pm near Kutra village under Ampani police outpost of Kalahandi, when the security personnel were undertaking combing operations in the area. "Our operation team is yet to reach the headquarters. We will reveal identity of the Maoists after their return," Rai said. The Police said a few .303 rifles and a 9-mm pistol were also recovered.

CPI-Maoist cadres operating in Chhattisgarh are now entering Odisha as they have lost support from the Odia people to carry out their operations, a top Police official said. "They don't have local support and operate with Chhattisgarh cadres mostly," Odisha's DGP K.B. Singh said. Following a spurt in Maoist activities in areas bordering Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand, operations would be intensified in these areas very soon, he added. He further said Police this year (2016) have been involved in eight encounters with Maoists. Special Director and ADGP (Intelligence) Arun Kumar Sarangi said that among the listed Maoist cadres, 15 per cent were in Odisha, 55 per cent in Chhattisgarh, 15 per cent in Andhra Pradesh and the remaining 15 percent in Maharashtra and Jharkhand.

At least 59 CPI-Maoist supporters, including three militia and three village committee members, surrendered at Mundaguda police outpost in Kiang in Malkangiri District of Odisha. Villagers of Katepalli under Mathili Police limits, the rebels and their supporters arrived en masse at Kiang and surrendered before IIC Pramod Kumar Mallick and 202 CoBRA battalion officials. The surrendered militia members have been identified as Surya Bhumia, Trinnath Bhumia and Mangada Padiami. The trio village committee members are Mani Kunjami, Chanchai Bhumia and Rama Bhumia, the IIC said. The Maoist supporters, who surrendered, include 36 men and 23 women, Mallick said.

A former Jharkhand-based cadre of the CPI-Maoist, identified as James Purty alias Sanjay (21), surrendered before the Rourkela Police in Sundergarh District and CRPF authorities at Rourkela District Police Headquarters. Purty had left the outfit quietly in 2013 after getting disillusioned with Maoist ideology, violence and difficult forest life. To evade Police and the Maoists, he went to Haryana, Chennai and Kolkata. He had recently returned from Kolkata to his native place in Khunti District of Jharkhand and decided to surrender on learning about the lucrative surrender policy of Odisha Government. The ASP said Purty was involved in two encounters with Jharkhand Police in Khunti District.

SFs busted a CPI-Maoist camp at Kandenjharia under Ghatmal gram panchayat under Sinapali Police Station limits in Nuapada District of Odisha. Earlier in the day, SF personnel exchanged fire with Maoists at Kandenjharia. However, no casualties were reported in the exchange of fire, SFs busted the Maoist camp at the site.

Two forest guards were attacked by suspected CPI-Maoist cadres in the Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary of Odisha. While Police are yet to confirm involvement of Maoists, locals said there has been movement of Maoists, who frequent villages for quenching thirst, in recent times. The forest guards, Arun Dash and Pratap Bhoi, who are still in a state of shock, have not been able to give the details of the incident. Sources said while patrolling the forest, the forest guards came across the Maoists who attacked them. The incident took place near Asanbahal area of Pampasar range, about 35 km away from Angul District headquarters. Villagers added that at least 40 cadres are present in the sanctuary area.

About 5,000 tribals alleging atrocities by the Police on the common man participated in a 'praja court' organized by the CPI-Maoist held at an undisclosed location in the cut-off area in Malkangiri District of Odisha. Local sources said tribals alleging atrocities by the Police on innocent citizens demanded the immediate removal of Police camps set up at various locations in the area. Maoists at the gathering warned of strong retaliation if atrocities by the Police on innocent tribals did not stop, the sources added. The conclave organized by Benu, 'secretary' of the CPI-Maoist, was attended by about 5,000 villagers hailing from Panasput, Andrapalli, and Jodamba villages, local sources said.

Despite Odisha State Government's claim of improvement in LWE situation in the State, it is still a challenge in a number of Districts. The situation is grim in parts of Malkangiri, Koraput, Nuapada, Rayagada, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Balangir, Nayagarh, Rourkela and Bargarh Police districts, said the White Paper released by the State Government in the State Assembly. There is, however, improvement in the situation in districts like Jajpur, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Gajapati, Ganjam, Nabarangpur, Sambalpur, Deogarh and Sundargarh. The report said in 2015, total 72 LWE-related incidents were reported in the State involving death of 26 civilians, four security personnel and nine hardcore LWE cadres. During the period, total 53 LWE cadres were arrested and 255 weapons, 168 IEDs and large quantities of explosives recovered. Total 64 LWE cadres/militias surrendered in the State in 2015. The robust security response resulted in total marginalization of OMP of Sabyasachi Panda and significant containment of activities of CMAS in Narayanpatna and Bandhugaon blocks in Koraput district, the report said. Due to a well-calibrated counter-LWE response of the State Government, 1,039 Maoist sympathizers, including many active members of revolutionary people's committees and village committee members, of Kalimela and Podia of Malkangiri District withdrew their support to the extremists. Apart from State Police, the Centre has deployed 17 battalions of Central Armed Police Forces - eight battalions each of CRPF and BSF and one battalion of CoBRA, a specialized unit of the CRPF - in the state. The Central Forces are largely deployed in Koraput, Rayagada, Malkangiri, Kalahandi, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Nuapada and Kandhamal Districts.

The State Government is continuously monitoring construction work of 910-metre-long Gurupriya Bridge in Malkangiri that would provide direct connectivity to 151 villages of the cut-off area in Malkangiri District with the mainland. To strengthen road connectivity in the Maoist-infested districts, the government also urged the Centre to sanction 24 new road projects under Road Requirement Plan.

After a brief lull, the Maoists belonging to Balangir-Bargarh-Mahasamund Division of the CPI-Maoist are once again trying to assert its presence in Balangir District of Odisha. They pasted posters in Chancherbhata of Khprakhol block and in Khuntpali in Balangir Sadar block, demanding a halt to construction of Lower Suktel dam project in Balangir District and Pujaripali dam project in Bargarh District.

Personnel of DVF found a powerful IED in a forest near Nalaghata in Gajapati District of Odisha during a combing operation. "The bomb disposal squad from Paralakhemundi safely defused the IED, weighing 20 kg," said SP, Gajapati, Satyajit Nayak. The IED is suspected to have been planted by the Maoists about three to four years ago.

Police in collaboration with the Malkangiri District administration and the BSF organized a mega community policing programme at Badpada village, situated in the worst CPI-Maoist-hit cut-off area to create a friendly environment between the law-enforcing agencies and people. This comes days after the Maoists warned security personnel of retaliation alleging police excesses in the cut-off area. The programme comprised rural sports and games, entertainment, folk dance, awareness drive and medical camp with a message against the Maoists apart from addressing the grievances of the villagers. Over 5,000 tribals from 20 nearby villages attended the programme. "The villagers were made aware of the anti-tribal and anti-development attitude of the rebels and urged to join hands with administration for their all-round development," said DIG (South-West Range) S. Shyni, who interacted with the villagers at the programme. The villagers complained about lack of irrigation facilities, drinking water, education and road network, said Malkangiri SP Mitrabhanu Mohapatra.

The CPI-Maoist is back in Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary, barely five months after they were flushed out of the forest following an encounter in December last year (2015). After the encounter in December 2015 with the SF personnel, the members of the Sambalpur-Deogarh-Sundargarh Division of the CPI-Maoist had deserted the sanctuary and fled towards Nayagarh District. If sources are to be believed, the sanctuary is virtually turning into a den of the Maoists with armed cadres, between 40 and 100, reportedly camping in the forest. According to sources, their movements have been noticed particularly at Majhipara, Tarava, Kataranga, Bankadhara and Gillinda. They mingle with locals and try to garner their support by taking advantage of the latter's resentment against forest authorities following certain restrictions in sanctuary areas. Sources said the Maoists were earlier using Bipradiha border area of the sanctuary as their transit route to Kalahandi and Jharkhand. Later, they intruded deep into the sanctuary and made it one of their hideouts.

In an indication of improvement in the LWE situation in Odisha, 170 cadres of the CPI-Maoist have surrendered in past two years, said the Odisha Government. Furnishing a reply in the State Assembly, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said highest 65 LWEs had laid down their arms in Koraput while 42 surrendered in Malkangiri District during 2014-15 and 2015-16. As many as 42 LWEs returned to mainstream in Sundargarh District during the period. According to the Chief Minister, the State Government had come out with first surrender policy in June 2006 and the same had been made attractive in 2014.

With the recent combing operations and encounters by the SF personnel breaking into the CPI-Maoist strongholds, members of the AOBSZC as well as the CPI-Maoist are reportedly initiating efforts to strengthen their rank and file. According to sources, the CPI-Maoist 'central committee' wants to give a new lease of life to the movement in the AOB areas by deploying leaders from their Telangana committee as well as armed platoons from Chhattisgarh. "Those likely to take charge in AOB include Jalandhra Reddy alias Krishna from Chhattisgarh and Bakuru Venkata Ramana alias Ganesh from Odisha. East Godavari and Visakha borders are important to the naxals as they border Chhattisgarh and Malkangiri district of Odisha," a senior official involved in anti-Maoist operations said, adding "They need link with Odisha to safeguard their teams and also receive guidance from top rank naxals." New leaders are expected to take charge from 'secretary' of the East Division Pratapareddy Ramachandra Reddy alias Chalapati.

In major setbacks in the recent past, the Maoists lost one of their key leaders and People's PLGA top leader Kudumula Venkata Rao to illness, while three Maoists including Galikonda area committee 'secretary' Azad died in a recent encounter with SF. Following these developments, the Maoists in the AOB areas reportedly sent a message to their central leadership seeking urgent reinforcements, the sources said, adding that their central committee member Katakam Sudarsan alias Anand may visit the AOB soon to meet the leaders. The East Division has only two area committees - Galikonda and Korukonda. Maoist 'commander' Sarath's death in the hands of the local people one and a half year ago in Korukonda, and the recent construction of the Rallagedda outpost weakened the Maoist movement in the area.

A huge cache of explosives and CPI-Maoist items were seized by BSF personnel at Parbeda-Pangiput forest near Lamtaput in Koraput District. During combing operation, the SFs recovered a bag which was buried underground, sources said. As many as 43 electric detonators, 19 gelatin sticks and 200 grams of gun powder were recovered from the bag, sources added. This apart, Maoist dresses were found from the bag.

The State Level Empowered Committee (SLEC) on Police Modernization finalised the action plan worth Rs 29 crore for 2016-17 fiscal. Presiding over the SLEC meeting, Chief Secretary A.P. Padhi directed the State Home Department to procure robust and compatible equipment with the existing data base. Chief Secretary also advised the Police to make use of the equipment that have been supplied to ODRAF units so as to keep them in good condition. The Action Plan focused on modernization of anti-terrorist and anti-Naxalite operation systems.

A woman CPI-Maoist cadre and another person were sentenced to life imprisonment by a district court for the abduction of the then District Collector R. Vineel Krishna five years ago. Additional District and Sessions Judge Bamashankar Mishra convicted Tapan Sha and M Divya alias Shanti and awarded life term for the abduction of the IAS officer on February 16, 2011. While Sha was a former government employee and had worked as a Gram Rozgar Sevak, Divya was a Maoist. The court, however, acquitted another accused Ghasiram Pangi due to lack of evidence.

A Police outpost in Kalahandi District of Odisha is locked for the last four years due to the fear of the CPI-Maoist. The outpost was set up in Balandapada area under Firingia block of the District in 2012. "Though the outpost was set up in 2012 in order to provide protection to us and maintain law and order in the area, the police personnel posted at the outpost didn't dare to remain present there and have locked it for four years," a resident of the area said. Around 12, 000 people reside in that region. Recently the people have demanded that the district administration and Police should come forward and ensure law and order in the area in order to pave way for developmental activities in the region.

A group of CPI-Maoist cadres stormed a construction camp site at Lakrish under Kashipur Police limits in Rayagada District and set ablaze nine vehicles. Sources said around 70 Maoists, under the banner of Ghumusur, Bansadhara, Nagavalli division of Maoists, reached the construction camp, Rajesh Buildtech, at about 1.40 am and pelted stones at the camp. When some of the construction company staff came out, seven armed Maoists, including two women cadres, barged into the camp. They asked the staff to stop construction work on the 10-kilometres stretch from Kashipur to Sunger Road which comes under the PWD. The Maoists also asked the staff to shut the camp and leave the area. They set ablaze four tractors, one JCB, water tank, roller and two 10-tyre tippers. The Maoists, however, did not harm any staff. After about two hours, they fled into a nearby forest under the cover of darkness.

In more than 10 handwritten posters found at the site, the Maoists stated that the attack was in protest against anti-Maoist operation and demanded withdrawal of armed forces from the region. Through posters, the Maoists also threatened companies like Vedanta, Hindalco and Utkal Alumina which have their units in both Rayagada and Kalahandi Districts. The Maoists also demanded implementation of welfare schemes like old-age pension, distribution of ration card, and jobs for all eligible persons under MGNREGA. They flayed the Central and State governments for acting as agents of multinational companies and preparing the blueprints for destruction of natural resources by leasing out mines to big companies.

At least 76 Naxals were killed and 665 arrested by SF personnel in the LWE-hit areas in the first four months of 2016, Home Ministry officials said. SF have achieved greater success in tackling LWEs in recent times and there was 30 per cent decline in violence perpetrated by the Maoists this year (2016). Altogether, 76 CPI-Maoist cadres were killed between January and April this year in comparison to 15 killed in the corresponding period of 2015. As many as 665 Maoists were arrested and 639 surrendered in the first four months of 2016 whereas 435 LWEs were arrested and 134 surrendered in the corresponding period of 2015, a Home Ministry official said. In 2015, 226 people died in 1,088 incidents of violence perpetrated by the LWEs. Of the 226 deaths, 168 were civilians and 58 security personnel. As many as 89 Maoists were also killed and 1,668 were arrested and 570 cadres surrendered before authorities last year. "The decline in violence can be attributed to many reasons such as greater presence of security forces across the Left Wing Extremism-affected states, loss of cadres and leaders on account of killing, arrests, surrender and desertions, better monitoring of development schemes in affected areas and insurgency fatigue among the Maoist cadres," the official said. While 106 districts in 10 states are affected by Maoist activities in varying degrees, 35 districts in seven states are considered to be worst hit. According to a recent Parliamentary Standing Committee report, Naxal activities continue to be a matter of concern with 35 districts in seven states being badly-hit. "CPI (Maoist) continues to be the most potent among the various LWE outfits in the country and accounts for more than 80 per cent of total LWE violence incidents and resultant deaths," the report said.

Two hardcore CPI-Maoist cadres carrying rewards on their heads and six other armed activists surrendered before the Police in Malkangiri District. The eight, mostly from Kalimela area of the district, were involved in Maoist activities for last few years and named in several cases, SP Mitrabhanu Mohapatra said. The two Maoists were identified as Unga Madkami and Adma Kartami. They carried INR 100, 000 rewards on their head each.

The Malkangiri Police is of the view that the CPI-Maoist orchestrated violence in the District is on the wane and the Maoists are on the backfoot in 2016. "It can be certainly said that Maoists are on the backfoot in Malkangiri. The organisation is on wane. There has been drastic decline in Maoists' organisational strength and violence in the district in the past six months. Their leadership is disillusioned and demoralised. However, we can't be complacent," said Malkangiri SP Mitrabhanu Mohapatra. He further said that "At present, 50 to 55 armed Maoists cadre comprising some of their leaders are active in the district but their movement has been restricted to cut-off areas and border areas. They are fast loosing tribal support base due to intensive community engagement programmes that we conduct and are unable to enter the villages."

The Commissionerate of Police of Bhubaneswar was sent into a tizzy after the Raj Bhavan received a threat letter from an alleged CPI-Maoist cadre in Jharkhand, asking Governor S.C. Jamir to relinquish office within 15 days or face dire consequences. Police sources said the letter could be a hoax as similar threat letters were sent in Jharkhand too. They said the senders identified themselves as Ravindra Verma and Mantu. The letter was sent in a sealed envelope from Giridih District in Jharkhand. The senders described themselves as cadres of CPI-Maoist.

Nine tractors and an excavator of a construction firm engaged in Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, road construction work, were set ablaze allegedly by the CPI-Maoist cadres in Kalahandi District. According to the Police sources, the arson took place in Miangpadar village under Bhawanipatna Sadar Police Station limits. The construction firm was involved in laying the PMGSY road connecting Titijhula and Miangpadar. Local people said a group of armed Maoists along with some supporters reached the camp and forced the staff to leave the spot. Then they used fuel in the vehicles parked at the camp to torch nine tractors and an excavator belonging to the firm. They left behind a handwritten poster in Odia, opposing the proposal for mining in Baphlimali hill region alleging that the government machinery was working as stooge of corporate houses.

A landmine planted by the CPI-Maoist cadres was discovered by BSF personnel in Narayanpatna block of Koraput District. A team of BSF personnel involved in combing operation found the landmine under a culvert near Anchalpur village on Narayanpatna-Podapadar road. As per reports, the landmine was safely recovered and defused. The landmine was around 10 kilogram in weight was planted targeting security personnel involved in anti-Maoist operations in the area.

CPI-Maoist 'central committee' has given a call for celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Naxalbari armed uprising, centenary of the Russian revolution and the bicentenary of the birth of Karl Marx. In a 10-page statement, the 'general secretary' of the CPI-Maoist, Muppala Lakshman Rao alias Ganapathi, said that all the party units should make "preparations, put maximum efforts and issue calls to the vast masses to actively and energetically participate in these celebrations". He called upon his party cadre to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Naxalbari uprising from May 23 to 29, 2017, the centenary of the Bolshevik Revolution from November 7 to 13, 2017 and Karl Marx birth bicentenary from May 5 to 11, 2018. If, for any reason, it was not feasible to conduct these events on the above mentioned dates, Ganapathi said, they could be organised in other time of the years of the anniversaries. "It is to be expected that the enemy will try to create all kinds of hurdles everywhere to prevent us from organising these anniversaries, be it in the urban or rural areas. We should be prepared for this and make realistic and practicable plans to conduct these programmes successfully in spite of disruptionist efforts", the statement said. The Maoist party also said that efforts should be made to organise at least one international programme in any of the Indian cities on a date agreeable to all participants. As part of these celebrations, the party has also sought publication of books, booklets and collection of articles for enhancing the understanding of Marxism.

The CPI-Maoist has reportedly held a review meeting headed by the AOBSZC members at the AOB a couple of days ago. Senior AOBSZC members like Dubasi Sankar alias Mahender and Narayana Swamy alias Damodar reportedly attended the meeting that assessed the present situation in the East Division and alleged differences among the cadres and leaders, sources said. The meeting was held in the wake of severe blows in the form of arrests, surrenders and encounters. As per information available, the Maoist leadership is planning to bring Kakuri Pandanna alias Jagan, a tribal leader, as the 'chief' of East Division. Pandanna was the security head of central committee member Ramakrishna alias RK.

The Odisha Government said it would ask for two more battalions of Central Forces to tackle the LWEs in the State. "We would like to seek two more battalions of any central armed forces like Boarder Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force, Sashastra Seema Bal and Indo Tibetan Border Police," Chief Secretary A.P. Padhi said after presiding over a meeting. The State presently deploys a total of 17 battalions of CAPF including eight battalions of CRPF and BSF each and one battalion of CoBRA.

Police busted a CPI-Maoist camp at Selfi hill of Rampuri Reserve Forest in Gurundia block of Sundergarh District after a brief exchange of fire. Sources said acting on intelligence input, Police raided Selfi hill. But the Maoists managed to flee under the cover of darkness. IGP (Western Range) R.K. Sharma said the raid was carried out by Special Operation Group and local Police. Sensing presence of Police, the Maoists opened fire and Police retaliated and the gun battle lasted for about 30 minutes. While the Maoists managed to escape, Police busted the camp where about 25 to 30 Maoists had holed up. The seizures include negligible amount of live ammunition and empty cartridges along with 30 pairs of Maoist uniforms, travel kits, literature, three solar panels, food grains and medicines.

Security personnel during combing operations recovered cache of explosives under a culvert in Koraput District.. The explosives were recovered by troopers of the 143 Battalion of the BSF on the Tanginiguda-Dasmantpur road near Baipariguda. The recovered materials include two tiffin bombs, 22 electric detonators, 25 gelatin sticks, a 12 volt battery and 45 metres of flexible wire.

The Centre asked four Naxal-hit States-Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal-to frequently hold Unified Command meetings for formulating a strategy to tackle the issue effectively. The UMH Rajnath Singh conveyed this at the Eastern Zonal Council meeting held in Ranchi, official sources said. Singh also cited the example of Jharkhand where splinter groups of the CPI-Maoist have been active and tackling them required coordination among forces and better strategy. The Zonal Council meeting took stock of various development schemes carried out in LWE-affected areas and found that Bihar lagged in construction of fortified Police Stations. Out of the 45 sanctioned fortified Police Stations in Bihar, 40 are yet to be constructed. In Jharkhand, out of 73 sanctioned fortified Police Stations, only two are yet to be completed, in Odisha, out of 52 sanctioned fortified Police Stations, 18 are yet to be constructed and in West Bengal, out of the 17 fortified Police Stations, one is yet to be completed. In 2011, the Centre had announced that it would fund construction of 400 fortified Police Stations in 83 worst Maoist-hit Districts in the country at a cost of INR 20 million each.

Two live landmines suspected to be planted by the CPI-Maoist and electronic detonators were recovered by the BSF personnel from Lamtaput area of Koraput District. According to Police sources, a troupe of paramilitary forces of 143 Battalion of the BSF were involved in combing operation when they stumbled upon these two landmines, planted under a culvert on Jeypore-Lamtaput road near Kadama village. Apart from it security personnel also recovered a pack of 22 electronic detonators and a bundle of flexible wire used to detonate landmines as well as a country made gun from the spot.

Rourkela Police dismantled a CPI-Maoist camp at Saplata forest in Sundargarh District, following a brief exchange of fire. Police confirmed that the camp was housing about 50 members of the CPI-Maoist, including 'central committee' members Prashant Bose and Misir Besra alias Sagar alias Bibek alias Sunil. Bose was 'chief' of the now defunct Saranda-based Eastern Regional Bureau of the outfit. During the raid, at least 13 empty cartridges, Maoist uniforms, documents, medicines and other items were seized.

Three women CPI-Maoist cadres surrendered before the Police in Jajpur District. The three women Maoists have been identified as Basanti Champia, Shanti Badra and Suturi Paleya. Jajpur SP Anup Kumar Sahu said the three women Maoists were active members of the CPI-Maoist Kalinga Nagar Division. He also added that Basanti and the other Maoists carried a cash reward of INR 400,000 and INR 100,000 each on their head respectively.

Two CPI-Maoist cadres, including a woman surrendered before Police in Sundergarh District. Police said the two, identified as Sunita Mundari (20) and Sanjay Munda alias Somra (20), had INR 100,000 reward each on their head. Both the armed cadres were carrying .303 rifles.

Suspected Maoists destroyed a forest camp at Jhoti Sahi near Barthilinga in Nayagarh District. They also set a jeep of forest department on fire. The camp was set up by the Mahanadi Wildlife Division. At least three masked persons came to the camp and went on the rampage. They also detonated a bomb near the camp.

Five villagers, including three women were reportedly killed in an exchange of fire between Police and the cadres of the CPI-Maoist at Malapanga forest in Kurtamagarh in Kandhamal District. Sources said the villagers were returning to their village after receiving their MGNREGA wages from a nearby village under Tunudibandh Police Station. Sources said the mishap occurred when the CRPF personnel were busy in exchange of fire with Maoists. The identity of the deceased and circumstances which led to firing is yet to be ascertained.

Disenchanted by the Maoist ideology, a female cadre surrendered before the Police in Kalahandi District.

CPI-Maoist posters allegedly written by the Maobadi Lal Salam of Chhattisgarh were found in front of the Rengali panchayat office in Khaparakhol block of Balangir District. The posters criticised the action of the CRPF and the CoBRA Battalion. It also warned a few nearby villagers of dire consequences terming them as 'Police informers'.

Eleven CPI-Maoist 'supporters' including two women surrendered before the Police at Mathili Police Station in Malkangiri District. Of the 11 sympathisers, three are militia members of the CPI-Maoist while the rest are members of Chetana Jana Natya Mandali.

Admitting that the Naxal movement has received serious setbacks in recent times in the form of encounter deaths and surrender of leaders, East Division 'secretary' Pratap Reddy alias Ram Chandra Reddy alias Appa Rao alias Chalapati said SFs personnel have made quite a few strikes but claimed that the 'people's movement' has not been suppressed and will bounce back. While giving an interview in the interiors of the AOB on the eve of the Martyr's Week Chalapati said like their comrades elsewhere in the country, the LWEs of the East Division too need to change the strategy to match the changing socio-economic, political and global scenario.

A CPI-Maoist couple, identified as Sukhdev and wife Rukmini, involved in around 150 cases, surrendered before the Police in Malkangiri District. They were active for over a decade and decided to give up arms after they realised that Maoists were harassing tribals and poor people, said Malkangiri SP Mitrabhanu Mohapatra. While the State Government had announced a reward of INR 500, 000 on the head of Sukhdev, Rukmini was carrying a reward of INR 400, 000.

Three Maoists, including the Darbha division 'area commander' Raju Sodhi, surrendered before the South Western Range DIG S. Saini in Malkangiri District. Sodhi was carrying a cash reward of INR 400,000 on his head. Besides, Laxman Madkami and Debe Beti laid down arms before the DIG.

CPI-Maoist threatened to intensify their fight against the government for the rights of tribals, following the killing of five persons at Gumudumaha village in Kandhamal District. The Malkangiri-Koraput Vishakha Border Division Committee of the CPI-Maoist has stated this through letters sent to a few media persons in Malkangiri District of Odisha.

The Government at the Centre is set to reduce the number of CPI-Maoist affected Districts in the country by about a fifth. A senior UMHA official has said that approximately 20 of the 106 Districts which have been described as being Maoist-affected and are part of the 'Red Corridor' may soon no longer be part of the list. This exercise, under way now for two years, is being done for the first time since 2006, when the Maoist-affected Districts were identified and graded on the basis of their violence profile. The names of the Districts and the reasons for being considered to be taken off the list have been communicated to the States and a response is awaited. Of these, 44 Districts are said to be the worst-affected. India has a total of 683 districts.

The CCS, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved 12 IRB for LWE-affected States. While four of these IRB will be raised in Chhattisgarh, three each will be raised in Jharkhand and Odisha, and two in Maharashtra. The CCS has also decided that 75 per cent of the Constabulary level posts will be drawn from the 27 Districts that are worst affected by the LWE. To recruit local youths, the government will relax age and educational criteria. The CCS has also allowed the CRPF to raise a 'Bastariya' battalion by recruiting youths from undivided Bastar District. Moreover, two already sanctioned India Reserve battalions will be converted into auxiliary battalions through recruitment of youths from 15 severely Maoist-hit districts of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Maharashtra and Odisha.

A two-day bandh call in Kandhamal and Rayagada Districts by the CPI-Maoist which started from July 25, 2016 had little impact on day to day life except in few pockets. The Maoists have given this bandh call to protest against killing of five innocents during an anti-Maoist operation of Police in Kandhamal District on July 8. According to sources, effect of this bandh call was noticed to some extent in Tumudibandh, Kotagarh and Daringbadi blocks of Kandhamal District and Kalyansinghpur block of Rayagada District. At all other places of these two districts life remained normal.

In a major success for the Odisha Police, a CPI-Maoist cadre, identified as Radha, surrendered before the Malkangiri District SP. Radha was a member of the Kalimela dalam and was working with the group for the past 14 years. There are over 50 cases pending against her. According to sources, Radha was carrying a cash reward of INR 400000 on her head.

Two years after the arrest of OMP leader Sabyasachi Panda, a man who had allegedly given shelter to the former CPI-Maoist 'cadre' in his house near Bada Bazar in Berhampur of Ganjam District has been arrested. A Chandra Rao (55), who remained untraced since Panda's arrest from his house at Mangalavarampeta Street near Bada Bazar on July 18, 2014, was caught by a special police team, ASP, Berhampur, Tirnath Patel said.

CPI-Maoist cadres have allegedly started disrupting agrarian activities of poor tribals, who do not support their violent activity, in Malkangiri District. According to sources, the Maoists started adopting this new strategy in Mathili block of Malkangiri District ahead of their 'Martyrs' week' observation from July 28 to August 3. They have till now targeted tribals at remote villages and hamlets in three panchayats of Mathili block, namely Salimi, Temurupalli and Kartanpalli. Malkangiri SP Mitrabhanu Mohapatra confirmed these recent developments. To strengthen their threats, the Maoists are abducting tribals from their farms and releasing them after threatening them. Two tribals from Jandaraguda village under Mathili block, Suka Kabasi and Nilaram Madhi, were abducted by Maoists on July 17 and later released. Both had earlier received threats from the Naxalites to stop their agricultural activity and leave the village. Some other former Maoist supporters of the village also were threatened. According to sources, on July 19, Sama Madhi was taken away by the Maoists from Kukurkund village of Temurupalli panchayat and later released.

Security personnel in Visakha Agency heaved a sigh of relief as 'Martyrs Week' observed by CPI-Maoist passed off incident free. "This year, Maoists did not indulge in any violent or destructive activity during the Martyr's Week. They were aware of the combing parties and kept low," a senior Police official said in Visakha Agency. However, in East Godavari District, the Maoists killed a priest in a church after branding him as 'Police informer' during the week. But Police could not prevent the Maoists from holding meetings. In fact, Maoist 'central committee' member Akkiraju Haragopal alias RK alias Saketh resurfaced at Sanyasiguda cut-off area in neighbouring Malkangiri District of Odisha to participate in the activities along with Malkangiri-Koraput border division 'secretary' Gajarla Ravi alias Uday during the 'Martyrs Week'. Pappuluru area committee also observed 'Martyrs' Week' at Pappluru forest in Malkangiri District.

The Maoists also paid tributes to their 'martyrs' at Injari panchayat in Pedabayalu mandal where 'commander' Kiran alias Manganna inaugurated a pylon. Some cadres including 'commander' Naveen and division committee leader Kakuri Pandanna were present at Garimanda village in Koyyuru mandal. Commenting on these incidents an officer involved in the anti-Maoist operations said "Maybe they are protecting their members as they do not wish to lose their cadres in another encounter. We have clear information about their movement in the Visakha agency." The Police were anticipating retaliation to the encounter at Marripakalu-Palasamaudram area near Puttakota in Koyyuru mandal on May 4, 2016 in which three senior cadres including Galikonda area committee 'secretary' Azad were killed.

The week-long 'Martyrs' Week' observed by the CPI-Maoist concluded with no incidents of violence reported from anywhere in Malkangiri District. A series of functions were organised by the Maoists in remote revenue villages under Kalimela, Motu, Podia, MV-79, Chitrakonda, Mathili, Khairput and Orkel Police Station limits, sources said. Reports said the Maoists unveiled at least 50 temporary 'Martyr domes' which were erected during the week with the support of local tribals. They have also reportedly recruited some cadres during the week. Vehicular traffic was badly affected in the district with most buses between Malkangiri and Jeypore (Koraput) remaining off the road, while OSRTC authority cancelled plying of State-owned buses on the route as a preventive measure to avert any untoward incident. Attendance at Government offices in Kalimela, Motu, Chitrakonda, Govindapalli, Podia and MV-79 was thin. Postal services too were affected.

CPI-Maoist posters demanding suspension of three Ministers of Odisha Government having links with the chit fund scam were found at Manamunda Veterinary centre in Boudh District and under Saintala Police Station limits in Balangir District. The Maoists have demanded suspension of Law Minister Arun Sahoo, Housing and Urban Development Minister Pushpendra Singh Deo and Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Sanjay Das Burma within 10 days. The posters were addressed to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

The CPI-Maoist cadres killed a civilian, identified as Sundar Hantal (25), at Godaput under Chitrakonda Police Station limits in Malkangiri District. Sources said the Maoists killed him by slashing his throat, suspecting him to be a 'Police informer'. According to reports, a group of 15-20 Maoists had abducted Sundar from his village about three days ago (August 3). His family members and villagers had been searching for him without success. The Maoists held a Praja (People's) Court at Simidipadar village where they branded him as a Police informer and slashed his throat. The Maoists also threatened the villagers of facing such fate if they act as Police informers.

A powerful IED, suspected to be planted by the Maoists, was recovered from Telengapada forest near Paiganda in Gajapati District. "The IED, packed in a lunch box, and weighing around 40 kg was found during the area domination operation carried out by the district voluntary force. The bomb disposal squad from Paralakhemundi rushed to the spot and defused the IED," said Gajapati SP Sushil Panigrahi.

CMAS leader, Nachika Linga, who is currently lodged in Koraput Circle Jail, began indefinite hunger strike demanding fulfilment of his nine-point charter of demands that he had submitted to CM Naveen Patnaik in April, 2016. The CPI-Maoist leader Cheda Bhushan alias Ghasi and another 14 members of CMAS also joined Linga in his agitation, supporting his demands that included speedy disposal of cases against him. His other demands are release of CMAS supporters who were arrested on false charges, construction of roads and canals in Bandhugaon and Narayanpatna blocks, handing over of tribal lands occupied by non-tribals, distribution of land to the landless, appointment of teachers in schools and other developmental activities in the two blocks.

Three suspected CPI-Maoist cadres were caught by villagers Deogharandi village and handed them to Police in Nabarangpur District. According information, villagers saw the unidentified youths moving in the village in suspiciously. When they wanted to know their identities, the youths avoided and tried to threaten them. Villagers soon gheraoed them and kept them in captivity and informed Raigarh Police. The villagers later handed over the suspected Maoists to the Police.

Police recovered several posters put up by the CPI-Maoist in Jagdalpur village under Ambadala Police limits in Rayagada District, exhorting public to oppose MNCs and protect their water, forest, and land. Maoists in the posters have opposed the establishment of proposed medical college in Kalahandi District with the aid of MNC VAL, reports added. The posters claimed to have been affixed by Vamsadhara-Ghumusara-Nagabali Divisional Committee of the CPI-Maoist.

Two cadres of the PLFI were killed by Rourkela Police following an exchange of fire in remote Jarda forest under Gurundia Police limits in Sundargarh District. Rourkela-based IGP (Western Range) Radha Krishna Sharma said acting on intelligence inputs about presence of a small PLFI group in the forest, Police teams were sent to the area. Watching the Police advance, the PLFI cadres started firing and Police retaliated. Two cadres died on the spot, while others managed to escape, he said, adding that two carbines, two magazines, other ammunition, INR 50,000 cash and mobile phones were seized from the bodies. Though efforts are on to ascertain the identities of the dead cadres, Police suspect the two to be Shankar Munda and Bhima Munda. Shankar, a criminal, had recently brought weapons from PLFI groups led by Akash and Mahesh and was involved in extortion and criminal activities in the interior areas of Rajgangpur, Gurundia and Brahmani Tarang Police limits in the District. Shankar was also suspected to be involved in the loot of about INR 370,000 from Malidihi branch of Utkal Gramya Bank under Rajgangpur Police limits three days ago. PLFI is a breakaway faction of the CPI-Maoist.

A CPI-Maoist couple, identified as Sanika Topno and Sunita Hansdah, carrying a cash reward of INR 200,000 surrendered before Rourkela Police in Sundargarh District. The couple was the members of a group led by senior Maoist leader Samarjee alias Anmol Hembram operating in Saranda Division of neighbouring Jharkhand, sources said. Notably, the 25-year-old Sanika Topno alias Sangel Munda alias Susil hails from Langalkanta under K Balang Police Station in the District and had married 20-year-old Sunita Hansdah alias Sushari alias Mariam from West Singhbhum District in Jharkhand.

A woman cadre of the CPI-Maoist was reportedly killed in an encounter with the Police in the Niyamgiri forests in Kalahandi District. According to reports, the Maoist was killed during a combing operation at a location in the Niyamgiri hills under the Lanjigarh Police Station. Police recovered an INSAS rifle, a SLR rifle and two other rifles during the operation, reports said. The killed Maoist was a member of the Bansadhara-Ghumusar-Nagabali division of the CPI-Maoist.

CPI-Maoist leader Nikhil alias Niranjan Rout, who leads the Bansadhara-Ghumusar-Nagavali Division of the CPI-Maoist, was present during the exchange of fire between the Maoists and SFs in Kalahandi District. This was stated by DIG, south-west range, S Saini. The DIG and Kalahandi, SP, Brijesh Rai said, the SOG team and District Police were combing the Phulbari forest near Katland village under Bijepur Police limits when the exchange of fire took place in which, one woman Maoist cadre was killed. Her identity is yet to be established. Nikhil managed to escape from the Maoist camp during the gun-battle, Saini said, adding that two SLR rifles, one INSAS rifle, two .303 rifles and live cartridges, 20 detonators, a tiffin bomb, electrical wires and Maoist literature were seized from the camp. Other logistic materials were also recovered from the spot. The DIG said so far seven Maoists have been killed in Kalahandi and among them, six are women cadres. So far, six Maoists have surrendered. Saini said Maoists are deploying women cadres in the first line of defence and in sentry duty and thus, the casualty of women cadres is high. While the women cadres provide cover to the Maoist group, the male cadres escape.

Maoist posters with mentions of six demands were found at different places at Gudighat village under Muribahal block in Balangir District. According to information, the posters mentioned about six various demands made by Maoists of Balangir-Bargarh-Mahasamund division. The Maoist rebels have demanded that Government should give drought assistance to tribal people soon.

At least three members of a family involved in harbouring PLFI cadres were arrested with arms and ammunition from Khukundubahal village under Biramitrapur Police limits in Sundargarh District. However, a group of about 10 PLFI cadres present at Khukundubahal, about 25 kilometres from Rourkela, managed to give Police the slip. SP of Sundargarh, Nikhil Kanodia said eight single barrel rifles, 41 rounds of live ammunition and 11.3 kilograms of high-end explosive in semi-solid form were recovered from the house of those arrested. He identified them as Surendra Nanda, a gram rakhi, his son Afindra and nephew Tureswar Nanda. They were providing logistic support to the PLFI group. PLFI is a splinter group of the CPI-Maoist.

Top Maoist leader Daya of AOBZC escaped from the clutches of SOG troopers in Panasput village under Padua Police limits in Koraput District. According to sources, an exchange of fire took place between Police and CPI-Maoist cadres for several hours in the forest. On a tip off that Daya and some Maoists of Chhattisgarh were camping in the forest, Police launched an extensive combing operation. During this time, the Maoists opened fire and the SOG troopers retaliated. The exchange of fire continued for hours after which the rebels fled from the spot leaving behind some Maoist materials, arms and ammunition. Police recovered detonators, IED bombs, gun making materials, Maoist literature and uniforms, among other things.

SF personnel destroyed a camp of the CPI-Maoist, during combing operations in the forested area between Dumuriguda-Panasput-Kandra in Hatibari panchayat under Padwa Police limits of Nandapur block in Koraput District. Acting on intelligence inputs that armed Maoists were hiding in the nearby forested area, personnel of SOG and DVF, conducted a combing operation in Panasput forest under Hatibari panchayat and have seized two walkie-talkie sets, huge quantities of explosives including detonators, medicines and Maoist literature, informed SP of Koraput, Charan Singh Meena. The rebels belonged to AOBSZC's Koraput division of the CPI-Maoist, Meena said.

Police busted an illegally country-made gun manufacturing unit at Pangapaju village in Kandhamal District. Acting on a tip-off, Police raided the unit at Bindhani Sahi in Pangapaju village and arrested the two persons allegedly involved in manufacturing of firearms. The arrested persons were identified as Banchhanidhi Bindhani (45), and Rohit Bindhani (40). The manufacturing tools seized from duo included wooden butts (6) iron barrel (8), trigger (3), trigger guard (1), cutter and polish machine (1), driller (3) and several other items, said Police. "During the interrogation, we came to know they were supplying most of the country-made firearms to Nayagarh district though middlemen," said SP of Kandhamal, Pinak Mishra. On an average, they were manufacturing seven to eight country-made guns a month and supplied them to various buyers, said, OIC, Gochhapada Police Station, Mrutunjaya Pradhan. Police said they would investigate whether they have any link with the Maoists. Banchhanidhi was arrested by Police for manufacturing firearms about nine years ago and lodged in the jail for some years.

Three days after reviewing CPI-Maoist menace at the unified command meeting in Bhubaneswar, DGP K B Singh said, the LWEs are trying to regroup in Odisha. "We still face challenge from ultras even though situation has improved a lot. Recent seizure of explosives from their hideouts in different districts indicates the Red rebels are trying to spread their activities again," Singh said.

More than a week after a woman CPI-Maoist cadre was killed in an encounter in the forests of Lanjigarh block in Kalahandi District; the Maoists identified her as Sangita and called a bandh in two Districts in protest against the killing. In a two-minute audio tape released by Ghumusar-Nagavalli-Bansadhara division 'secretary' Nikhil alias Niranjan Rout to a local news channel in Bhawanipatna, the Maoists declared that the woman Maoist was Sangita from Adikanda village of Mohana block in Gajapati District. Sangita was killed on September 15, during an exchange of fire between SOG and Maoists in Phulbari forest near Katlang village under Bijepur Police limits. Through the tape Nikhil informed that the division has called a bandh in Rayagada and Kalahandi Districts on September 29, protesting the encounter. He stated that Sangita was active in the division for the last seven years. The tape also disagreed with the statement of DIG of (South Western), S Shiny and Kalahandi SP, Brijesh Rai that Maoists were pushing woman cadres to the front to let them die.

Six Maoist aides surrendered before BSF Commandant KD Yadav at (MV)-79 in Malkangiri District. They are four Village Committee Members, Soma Podiami, Soma Kabasi, Rama Podiami and Podia Madkami and two militia members Jaga Kabasi and Deba Kabasi, said Yadav. They are natives of Rajulkonda village under MV-79 Police limits and were providing logistic support to the rebels, he added. Later, the surrendered rebels were handed over to MV-79 Police.

Protesting the death of a woman CPI-Maoist in an encounter with the SOG personnel, the Bansadhara-Ghumusar-Nagabali division of the CPI-Maoist, observed bandh in Rayagada and Kalahandi Districts. However, the bandh passed off peacefully. ASP, Patitapaban Choudhury, said, normally Kalyansinghpur block market remains closed on Thursday and besides that, the Private Bus Owners' Association also observed strike so there was no impact of bandh called by the outfit. But due to the Maoist bandh, even Government buses remained off the road, he added. In Bhawanipatna, the bandh had no impact. Even in the sensitive pockets like Lanjigarh, Thuamul Rampur and M Rampur where Maoists are active, there was no impact and life was normal. Police had intensified patrolling in the sensitive pockets. SP of Kalahandi, Brijesh Rai, said there was no report of any untoward incident in the District. Bansadhara-Ghumusar-Nagavali Division secretary Nikhil alias Niranjan Rout had announced bandh through an audio tape released by him to a private news channel on September 24. He had identified the woman Maoist as Sangita of Gajapati District.

The Maoists, in a desperate bid to reassert their supremacy in the cut-off areas of Chitrakonda block of Malkangiri District, have urged the people of six panchayats to boycott the ensuing panchayat elections and strengthen the militia by joining their outfit. The LWEs had organised a large meeting at Jantri village of Andrapalli panchayat of Chitrakonda block, reports said. Asked about the incident, Subala Charan Behera, driver of a government motor launch, told OTV that he was about to finish his duty at about 5.30 PM on September 30 after anchoring the launch at Jantri when the Maoists through their messengers asked him to bring the people of five panchayats to attend their meeting. SP of Malkangiri, Mitrabhanu Mohapatra said a group of Maoist cadre of AOBSZC had organised a meeting at Jantri village of Andrapalli panchayat under Chitrakonda block. Naming the meeting as anti-Police meeting, the Red Rebels had forcibly brought the villagers of six panchayats to the meeting with the help of two Government motor launches and four country boats provided by the District Administration to these six panchayats. The SP said the Maoists, who have forcibly detained the boats which are the only source of communication for the tribals in the cut-off areas, claim that they are fighting for the welfare of the poor tribals. "All these activities speak volume of their double standards", he pointed out. The most-wanted Maoist leader Ramakrishna alias RK addressed the gathering of more than 3000 people from six panchayats of Jodamba, Badapadar, Janbai, Ralegada, Panasput and Jantri at Palaspadar village under Jantri panchayat. RK alleged that the Government has failed to ensure development on the other side of Chitrakonda reservoir even after 70 years of Independence. Other top Maoist leaders from Andhra Pradesh addressed the gathering.

One villager was killed by CPI-Maoist cadres, suspecting him to be a 'Police informer', at Katapali village under Maithili Police Station in Malkangiri District. The deceased was identified as Budara Khilamali. The Maoists had slit his throat and dumped the dead body. According to sources, Maoists had taken away Budara on October 1 night to attend a Sabha. But later, his dead body was recovered by villagers from a forest. Handwritten Maoist-posters were found from the spot.

The CPI-Maoist cadres shot dead a villager and severely injured another in Malkangiri District. According to reports, the Maoists fired at two villagers of Jantri village in the afternoon today, killing one and seriously injuring another. Notably, the duo was abducted by the Maoists two days back on October 3.

About 25 armed CPI-Maoist cadres organised a meeting of youths at Bhurukundi village under the Purunakot Police limits in the Satkosia wildlife sanctuary in Angul District, exhorting the youths to join their cadre. Reports said the Maoists, who came from dense forests, held a 20-minute-long meeting on the village road. They persuaded the youths to join them and offered to pay them a monthly salary INR 10,000 each. About 40 young men and women participated in the meeting out of fear of the Maoists, according to sources. The Maoists threatened to blast the village if the youths do not join their organisation. They (Maoists) retreated to the dense forests after the meeting. Earlier also, the Maoists had held a meeting in the village on October 4.

Three CPI-Maoist posters were found in Ghamari village of Bolangir District. In these posters, the CPI-Maoist local divisional committee has urged the people to support some demands of the Maoist rebels. In these posters Maoists have opposed the Green Hunt Operation and demanded proper irrigation to crop fields in tribal areas by constructing check dams and canals. Earlier on September 16, 2016, Maoist posters were also found at Muribahal in Titlagarh area of Bolangir District in which the Maoists have demanded ration cards for all Dalit and tribal families and closure of liquor shops in the area.

A group of CPI-Maoist cadres reportedly set ablaze a licensed country liquor manufacturing unit in Dengsu Tipidi village under Barabandha panchayat of Madanpur Rampur Police limits in Kalahandi District. According to information, around 32 Maoists came and put the liquor-making unit and two motorbikes on fire using kerosene. They too beat up owner and employees of the unit and threatened him to stop the unit for ever.

An exchange of fire took place between SF personnel and CPI-Maoist cadres at Niyamgiri forest area in Kalahandi District. Following this, SOG and CRPF jawans launched a massive combing operation against Maoists. Earlier, the SF personnel had got intelligence inputs about presence of Ghumusar- Bansadhara-Nagavali division of CPI-Maoist members in the forest areas under Muniguda Police limits. During a combing operation, the SF personnel exchanged fire with the Maoists near Golgola and Naringbadi village area of Munikhol panchayat. Muniguda SDPO, Anant Prasad Mallick said a group of Maoists led by Bunty alias Bauri Bandhu Sethy opened fire on the SFs during combing operation. In retaliation, the SFs opened fire. However, no casualties have been reported.

Eighteen CPI-Maoist cadres were killed in an encounter with a combined team of AP and Odisha Police near Jantri in Malkangiri District, in the AOB area. According to AP Police, two constables of Greyhounds, an elite anti-Maoist force, were injured in the encounter that occurred during a routine combing operation being jointly carried out by Police of both the States at Ramgurha in Malkangiri District of Odisha. "The operation spot comes under Chitrakonda police limits of Malkangiri. The joint operation was carried out in cut-off areas of Chitrakonda close to Andhra Pradesh border. We seized some weapons from the Maoists," ADG, (intelligence) of Odisha Arun Sarangi said. Sarangi said the blueprint of the operation was finalized two days ago. "We had tip-off about movement of the Maoists in the cut-off area. We informed the Andhra Pradesh police for assistance," Sarangi said, adding "The bodies will be brought to Chitrakonda for identification and post-mortem." The face-off between the SF personnel and the Maoists lasted for about an hour. The rebels were said to be resting after a meeting when the encounter took place. Police have recovered four AK-47 rifles from the scene of the encounter. AP Director General of Andhra Police Nanduri Sambasiva Rao said combing operation was still continuing as there was information that there were some more Maoists roaming in the region. Sources said that top Maoist leaders like Gajarla Ravi alias Uday, Bengal Sudhir, Anil, RK alias Saketh's son Munna, Bakuri Venkata Ramana alias Ganesh and others were in the area at the time of the encounter.

SF personnel recovered bodies of four more Maoists killed during a joint operation by AP-Odisha Police in Bejing jungle between Ramgarh and Panasput in Malkangiri District on October 24. The total number Maoists killed in the joint Police operation rose to 28. One AP Greyhound commando Mohammed Abu Bakar was also killed in the exchange of fire while one more commando was also injured.

The Police had seized 20 firearms, which includes four AK47 rifles, 10 numbers of .303 rifles, three SLR rifles, two INSAS rifle, four SBBL guns, one laptop and INR 216,000 from the spot. By late evening, the police party recovered about 50 kit bags and a large quantity of Maoist literature. The Maoists were reportedly holding a plenary session, which was to be attended by 'central committee member' Akkiraju Haragopal aka Ramakrishna aka RK. There were between 50 to 60 Maoists, when the encounter took place.

Among those killed were Bakuri Venkata Ramana Murthy alias Ganesh alias Prasad alias Ramireddy, 'official spokesman' of AOBSZC and 'secretary' of east division unit of the party; Chemella Krishnaiah alias Bhaskar alias Daya, 'secretary' of the Koraput-Srikakulam 'joint division' of the AOBSZC; Gamelli Kesava Rao alias Birsu, 'area commander' of First CRC and 'divisional committee secretary' of the Koraput-Srikakulam 'division'; Anna Parthi Dasu alias Madhu (50), member of the inner protection team around Bakuri Venkata Ramana Murthy and 'divisional committee member' (DCM), technical team of West Godavari; Geddam Suvarnaraju alias Kiran (38), brother-in-law of Madhu; Prabhakar Kapukka alias PKM alias Devendra, DCM; Latha alias Jyothi alias Padma, DCM and wife of Dubashi Shankar alias Mahendra, SZCM, of the Hyderabad area; Rajesh alias Bimal, 'area commander' of First CRC and DCM from Chhattisgarh; Mamata alias Banajalas Nirmala alias Boddu Kundanalu Maru (DCM of Third CRC of the party and wife of Suresh, SZCM of the Srikakulam area); Yamalapalli Simhachalam alias Murali alias Krishna alias Hari, key member of Central Committee member RK's protection team and DCM of the Vizianagaram District; Kameswari alias Swarna alias Swaroopa alias Ricky, part of cadre supply team and DCM of Pedabayalu; Kilo Sita alias Swetha, part of cadre supply team and ACM of Pedabayalu; Budri, woman bodyguard of RK's inner protection team and ACM from Chhattisgarh; and key members in RK's security cordon, Munna alias Akkiraju Prithvi alias Shivaji (27), an ACM of Malkangiri's cut-off area LGS, and Raino alias Sunil alias Jalmuri Srinu Babu, DCM of Third CRC of the party. Ganesh and Daya carried a reward of INR two million each.

The CPI-Maoist cadres reportedly abducted a group of villagers from Kalahandi District in connection with an encounter that had taken place last month. Police later recovered one body. Police sources said the Maoists had forcibly taken eight villagers, including five from Katlang village under Bijepur Police limits, two from Salpang village and one from Karli village under Bhawanipatna Sadar Police limits. One body has been recovered, and the deceased has been identified as Chena Harijan of Katlang. Harijan's throat was found to have been slit by a sharp weapon. The fate of the other abducted persons is yet to be ascertained. Suspecting the role of villagers in tipping off Police about their movements last month which led to an encounter at Bijapur area on September 15, Maoists abducted a few of them, including a village guard of Salpang, the Police claimed. Kalahandi, SP, Brijesh Rai said anti-Maoist forces have rushed to the spot but there has been no further information.

The CPI-Maoist cadres have allegedly killed another villager by slitting his throat in Salapanga village under Sadar block in Kalahandi District. The Maoists reportedly killed Lalu Harijan, suspecting him to be a 'Police informer'. This is the second incident in the District when a villager has been allegedly killed by Maoists on suspicion of being a 'Police informer'.

Two more CPI-Maoist were shot dead in the Chitrakonda forest area of Malkangiri District, taking the rebel toll to 30 in the third encounter in as many days. The SF personnel ran into a group of Maoists in the dense forest of Chitrakonda during the ongoing combing operations and warned the latter to surrender. However, the rebels opened fire in a bid to escape, Visakhapatnam (rural) SP, Rahul Dev Sharma said. The exchange of fire continued for about 20 minutes. When the guns fell silent, the Police found two bodies. "Their photos would be released shortly. The police are willing to help injured Maoists get medical treatment if they are willing to surrender," Sharma said.

If completed on time, the under construction bridge over river Gurupriya would to a good extent solve connectivity and by extension LWE problems in the cut-off area in Malkangiri District. The work for the 910-metre bridge connecting Janbai North with Janbai South, which was started in 2015 at an estimated cost of INR 172.58 crore is expected to be completed by 2018. "Around Rs 71 crores has already been spent on the project and we are hopeful of completing it within the scheduled time," said Arun Kumar Sahu, executive engineer of PWD, Malkangiri.

In an audio tape released to the media in Odisha, the CPI-Maoist claimed that Ramakrishna alias RK is missing since the October 24 encounter at Malkangiri, where 28 of their cadres were gunned down, and he could be in Police custody. "Top Maoist cadre Ramakrishna is missing and he could be in police custody," CPI-Maoist, East Division Committee, 'secretary' Kailash said in the audio tape. In the audio tape the Chief Ministers of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh were blamed for the killing of the 28 Maoists. Kailas said the Maoists haven't weakened and will continue to fight. He also alleged that Operation Green Hunt is being conducted for the benefit of industrialists and mining mafias. RK, a central committee member of the outfit, who was last sighted at Jantri in the cut-off area of Malkangiri District on October 1. He had addressed a public meeting, and asked people to boycott the ensuing three-tier panchayat elections in Odisha.

The CPI-Maoist has called for bandh in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra on November 3 to protest against the Malkangiri encounter in which 30 Maoists were killed. In a statement issued by Maoist's Central Committee, Pratap, a self-styled spokesperson, has given the bandh call in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra. The Maoist organisation also alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Central Government, along with Odisha and Andhra Pradesh Government's, were favouring Bauxite mining in the tribal area against the will of the locals. Yesterday, in an audio tape, CPI-Maoist East Division Committee 'secretary' Kailash held the Chief Ministers of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh responsible for the encounter.

As many as 12 unclaimed bodies of Maoists who died during October 24 - 27, 2016, Chitrakonda anti-Naxal operations were buried by Police. While the rest 16 bodies have been handed over to their kin after verification, it said. It is to be noted that 30 LWEs lost their lives during a joint operation by some 200 SF personnel including Andhra Pradesh's Greyhounds, Odisha Police, SOGs, DVF, in the cut off area of Chitrakonda in Malkangiri District of Odisha along the AOB.

A woman CPI-Maoist cadre surrendered before the Rourkela Police and 19 Batallion of CRPF in Sundargarh District. She was carrying a reward of INR 100,000 on her head. According to sources, Palo Honhanga alias Bharati (42), a resident of Baliba village in West Singbhum District of Jharkhand, had been inducted in the cadre by a woman Maoist, Rekha, forcibly in 2012. She was working in the Kolhan area of Chaibasa, Jharkhand. She left the outfit after getting disillusioned with the Maoist ideology as the ultras exploit women, minors and innocent tribal people in their activities and force them to join the outfit. Her daughter Sapna alias Muni had earlier surrendered before the Rourkela Police in September 2015.

The CPI-Maoist cadres killed Jayant Majhi, a former Sarpanch, by slitting his throat near Sapachanchala under the Bijepur Police limits in Kalahandi District. According to sources, Jayant was the former Sarpanch of Trilochanpur Panchayat.

Security has been tightened in southern Odisha Districts, including Kandhamal, Boudh and Gajapati for the 24-hour bandh called by the Maoists in five States, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra on November 3, to protest against the Malkangiri encounter in which 30 Maoists were killed. Anti-Maoist camps, security establishments in Maoists-affected Districts have been alerted while combing operations and patrolling have been intensified. The State Police Intelligence wing has been directed to keep a strict vigil on the situation to avert any violence by Maoists as reliable sources said the rebels from neighbouring Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh are trying to enter Kandhamal and Malkangiri Districts.

The CPI-Maoist cadres triggered two landmines blast near Hatamuniguda in Rayagada District. Being informed, the Muniguda Police with the sniffer dog rushed the spot to diffuse the explosives. However, when the dog detected the landmine, it exploded injuring the animal. Maoist posters were found pasted on trees near the spot. Protesting the anti-Maoist operation near the AOB in cut-off Chitrakonda area, in which 30 Maoists were killed, the CPI-Maoist Central Committee observed the bandh in five States, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Odisha. While bus service came to a grinding halt in Malkangiri, plying of Government-run buses in Koraput and Rayagada remained off. The situation was similar in Kandhamal District. The Maoists blocked the Baliguda-Muniguda route by dumping felled trees on the road near Kurtamagarh in G Udayagiri, sources said.

Our primary goal is to free the entire state from the grip of the CPI-Maoist, says Odisha, DGP, K B Singh. In an interview with the Telegraph, he said, "We have been successful to some extent. We have the required manpower, but we need more forces to intensify our operations. At present, we have 18 battalions of paramilitary forces. We have urged the central government to send two more battalions." Further, answering to the question on cannabis cultivation turning into a major source of funding for the Maoists, he replied, "The area under cannabis cultivation has been reduced to a great extent. Crime branch has undertaken a number of drives with the help of satellite imageries and local inputs. Now, ganja cultivation is confined to Angul, Boudh, Kandhamal and some parts of Ganjam district."

Malkangiri Police in Odisha took a 20-year-old woman CPI-Maoist, identified as Dhanumati belonging to the cut off area committee, into their custody from her native village Dabbaguda in Andrapalli panchayat in Malkangiri District. Dhanumati had received bullet injuries on her leg during the Bejjangi encounter on October 24. According to sources, Dhanumati had managed to escape the encounter site and was later helped by cut off 'area committee commander' Sudhir to reach her native village. On receiving the information, Dhanumati was taken into custody by the cops for interrogation. Sources said the cops would confirm in a couple of days whether it was an arrest or surrender.

As many as 94 CPI-Maoist supporters and 52 militia members surrendered before Police in Malkangiri District. Those who have surrendered were from Sudhakonda and Radulkonda villages under Kalimela Block and included five women and nine village committee members, Police said, adding that they surrendered before Malkangiri, SP, Mitrabhanu Mohapatra. They have pledged to dissociate themselves from Maoist activities and to remain in the social mainstream for the development of the backward region, the SP said.

A week after calling for Malkangiri bandh in Odisha, condemning the alleged October 24 encounter in which 30 CPI-Maoist cadres were ambushed, Malkangiri division committee of the CPI-Maoist organisation has released fresh posters and protested surrender of their cadres. The poster bearing name of Poonam Chandra, 'secretary' of the committee said they decry 'corruption' by Government officials in the region. "We have come to know that the surrender of some of our cadres, following the encounter by security personnel is stage-managed. It is an act by the police only to weaken the Maoist movement," the letter read. The Maoists also alleged that Police were misleading the priests, traditional healers and quacks against the Maoist movement. The letter claimed that police was misleading gullible villagers with false promises while Maoist organisation is fighting for legitimate rights of the poor and tribals. The letter said they wanted to stop corruption by Government officers in the region. "We work for the people and the society, and will continue to do that," it noted. It is said that recent surrenders have increased intelligence gathering scope of Security Forces and reduced logistic and other support Maoists were getting in the area.

CPI-Maoist posters were found at Dhepguda forest reserve under Biswanathpur Police Station in Kalahandi District. More than 20 Maoist posters are pasted at various places. Messages against State and Central Government are mentioned in the posters. The Maoists have called upon general public for support. It may be mentioned that the Maoists are in anger after 30 of their cadres were killed in an encounter by a joint team of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh SFs in a forest in Malkangiri District near the AOB on October 24. They have started seeking public support mentioning that innocent people are killed in the name of Maoists in such encounters.

The CPI-Maoist Central Committee has reportedly appointed Kakarala Madhavi as the AOB 'secretary', according to Intelligence sources. Madhavi replaces Bakuri Venkataramana alias Ganesh who was killed in the encounter at AOB between October 24 and 26. A native of Rajamahendravaram in East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh, Madhavi served the party in different roles for about 10 years in Telangana, Odisha, Dandakaranya in Chhattisgarh and other areas. The Central Committee at a high-level meeting reportedly announced the appointment after the party suffered a major blow with the Police gunning down about 30 Naxalites in the encounter in Malkangiri District of Odisha between October 24 and 26. She is the daughter of a veteran Telugu film actor. Another senior Maoist leader Pothula Kalpana has been appointed in-charge of military operations in the area. Kalpana has been in the outfit for about 10 years. However, it is not clear whether Madhavi has been appointed for Malkangiri or East (Visakhapatnam and East Godavari) divisions.

The Malkangiri sub-collector is set to conduct a magisterial inquiry into the deaths of 30 CPI-Maoist cadres, who were killed in an exchange of fire during a joint operation conducted by the SFs belonging to Odisha and Andhra Pradesh near Bejingi forest inside the cut-off area under Chitrakonda Police limits in Malkangiri District on October 24. Officials said the NHRC has ordered a magisterial inquiry and directed them to submit the inquiry report within 60 days of receiving the order. The Malkangiri administration received the inquiry order on November 7. Sub-collector (Malkangiri) Birendra Korkora said he will personally visit the encounter site to gather information. Also, the administration appeals people interested or having information about the incident can attend the inquiry and provide evidence. While, Police had claimed that they had retaliated to the Maoists firing, there have been allegations that the firing was one sided and the Police allegedly fired on the Naxals in cold blood.

Five families of Dabuguda village in the Chitrakonda cut-off area in Malkangiri District, left village in fear of CPI-Maoist cadres. The tribals trekked the hilly terrain of around 40 kilometers to reach Kudumulugumma early in the morning. It is to be noted that in April, around 33 tribal people of seven families had left Sanyasiguda village under Andrapalli panchayat in the cut-off region of the District due to threats of the Maoists.

Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gases Dharmendra Pradhan defied advice of local Police administration not to tour CPI-Maoist-infested areas and visited encephalitis-affected Palkonda village in Malkangiri District. Pradhan was leading a BJP team to make on the spot enquiry about outbreak of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) and acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) in Malkangiri District. Pradhan is under Z-category security cover and his earlier proposed visit to the District on November 4 had been cancelled for security reasons. At Palkonda, he met Umesh Madhi (10), the class IV student, who had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking his help in eradication JE.

The CPI-Maoist cadres killed a contractor supervisor by slitting his throat and set ablaze construction instruments at Bhitarakota village under Patangi Police limits in Koraput District. The deceased was identified as Jayaram Khila, supervisor at the camp. The Maoist rebels also set on fire two Hiwa trucks, a Hitachi machine, a tractor and a tipper. According to reports, around 50 Maoists opposed the construction of road to Bhitarakota village last evening. They also held a meeting in the presence of around 200 villagers in which the latter too opposed the road work. Khila supported the construction of road following which the irate Maoists killed him by slitting his throat. The Maoists also abducted ten workers of the camp before fleeing the spot. However, they released the workers after taking away their mobile phones, data machines and documents from them.

A Maoist cadre, identified as Sanyasi Sagria (18), surrendered before SP, Ashish Singh in Balangir District. Sanyasi is a resident of Nagfena village under Baddokala panchayat under Turekela Police limits in the District. Sanyasi had joined the Maoist organisation last year and was working for Bargarh-Balangir-Mahasamund division of the CPI-Maoist outfit. He was active in Chhatardandi, Patpani, Dandel, Raju, Chanmdili and Gandhamardan reserve forest areas. Sanyasi told Police that he was entrusted with the work of collecting information regarding contractors, labour sardars, and movement of SFs in Khaparakhol, Turekela and Lathore areas. He was also directed to motivate youths of the village and neighbouring areas to join the outfit. He was trained in Gandhamardan area for 15 days on handling weapons. During his stay in the organisation, he met a number of senior Maoist cadres. However, he decided to quit the organisation after being physically tortured by some of the local cadres.

Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik while addressing a meeting at Lamtaput in Koraput District of Odisha said the State Government has been pumping crores of rupees through different schemes for poor people in the region and they should draw benefits from the schemes. It is to be noted that, combing operation was intensified in Machkund, Ankedeli, Nandapur, Narayanpatna and Laxmipur, bordering villages in Koraput District, by security personnel and several check posts were erected to check the infiltration of Maoists from neighbouring Malkangiri District and Andhra Pradesh few days back.

At least 145 CPI-Maoist sympathisers including 33 women surrendered before the Police in Malkangiri District. Malkangiri, SP, Mitrabhanu Mohapatra said of the 145 people who surrendered before the Police, 82 are from Kuruba village and 63 from Marigeta village of which 33 are the militia. "All of them were working for Kalimela Dalam," he said, adding these Maoist sympathisers have said they decided to surrender as the Maoist rebels have deviated from the Mao ideology and are indulged in the brutal torture of innocent tribals. He also said the Police will take lenient view of the cases registered against those who have surrendered. "Besides, efforts will be made to rehabilitate them under the surrender rehabilitation policy of the state government," the SP informed.

The Gajapati District and Sessions Court in Paralakhemundi exonerated three suspected Maoists in the murder case of two village guards for lack of evidence. The Adaba Police had registered a case against the trio in connection with the murder of two village guards on May 13, 2010, under the Adaba Police Station of the District. District and Sessions Judge Durga Shankar Mishra, who was hearing the case, released suspected Maoists Nikita Majhi, Sarat Majhi and Siman Majhi.

Maoist leader Sabyasachi Panda, who was arrested in 2014 and is lodged in Berhampur Circle Jail in Ganjam District of Odisha, has moved court for exchange of the demonetised currency notes of INR 500 and INR 1,000 currency notes that was seized from him at the time of his arrest. Sabyasachi has filed a petition in the court of the Additional District Judge-II, Berhampur, Biswajit Mohanty, to direct Police to take necessary steps to exchange the demonetised currency notes before December 30. His advocate Deepak Patnaik said INR 211,000 in cash, including 175 demonetised notes of INR 1,000 and 72 demonetised notes of INR 500, was lying in the Police treasury. "The notes would become useless if not exchanged in time. That's why we have requested the court to direct the police to convert it into valid currency of the same value," said Patnaik.

Nearly 101 CPI-Maoist sympathisers, including 24 militia members surrendered before Police in Malkangiri District. The Maoist aides, belonging to Badigata and Gandiguda villages under Kalimela Police limits, accompanied by villagers reached the District Police office en masse and surrendered before SP, Mitrabhanu Mahapatra. Addressing media persons SP, Mahapatra said, "Out of the 101 people, 70 are from Badigata village and 31 from Gandiguda village. All of them were working for Kalimela Dalam." They decided to join the mainstream after realising the atrocities of the Red rebels towards innocent villagers, he added. Police have decided to maintain leniency towards the cases registered against those who have surrendered. "Besides, efforts will be made to rehabilitate them under the surrender and rehabilitation policy of the government," the SP informed.

As many as 222 CPI-Maoist sympathisers surrendered before the Police in Malkangiri District. According to reports, 222 Maoist supporters, including 19 militia and 72 women, from Telkunda village under the Kalimela Police Station surrendered before SP, Mitrabhanu Mohapatra at the District headquarters. It may be recalled that as many as 101 Maoist supporters, including 24 militia and 26 women, had surrendered before the Police in the District on November 21. The villagers hailed from Badigata and Gandiguda villages under Kalimela Police limits.

The NSD teams from Coimbatore, Nilgiris, Tirupur, Erode, Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri Districts have been asked to stop CPI-Maoist infiltration in Western Tamil Nadu. The state internal security officials told the team leaders that Andhra Pradesh and Odisha Police encountered 30 CPI-Maoist cadres in October 24-27 in AOB region. The DIG (Internal Security), C Eswaramoorthy, told that CPI-Maoist members should not enter Tamil Nadu forest areas and we should not allow them to create their base in the State. He also advised the NSD teams to create good rapport with the tribals in Western Tamil Nadu so that they could pass on information about suspicious movements in forest areas.

Police of SIB and other intelligence wings are trying to decode a 40-page document recovered from the encounter site in Ramaguda near Bejjangi in Malkangiri District on October 24, in the AOB that contains information in code language. According to sources, the document was prepared after the AOBSZC conference was held in August this year. Apparently, CPI-Maoist broached on several issues including handing over responsibilities to various wings. The documents also reveal that the LWE wanted to induct 'Comrade G' into the AOBSZC organisational set up, who sources said may have been Prabhakar alias Gangadhar. However, he was killed in the October 24 encounter. The documents also revealed that, the CPI-Maoist also organised political classes for the cadres by AR, SU and other Naxals. AR can be Akkiraju Ramakrishna and SU may be Uday of Malkangiri-Koraput Border Division. The documents need to be decoded to understand the Maoist movement. They were planning to strengthen their formations, but the encounter dealt a severe blow to their plans a told a senior officer from the Anti-Naxal Wing. The CPI-Maoist also wrote about their movement in Division 15, Division 16 and Division 17 in Koraput. Police are taking help from former Naxals to decode the papers. The documents revealed that Padmakka would succeed Ramakrishna alias RK as AOBSZC 'secretary'.

Five minor girls, who were forcibly abducted and were being sexually exploited by the cadres of the CPI-Maoist, managed to escape in Malkangiri District. According to reports, few months ago Maoist guerrillas had abducted over ten minor girls from their houses in cut-off area of Chitrakonda in the District. Fortunately, five of the abductees managed to give a slip to the Maoists after the Panasput Police encounter as the militants ran helter-skelter. These five girls are now staying at a rehabilitation slum. Malkangiri SP Mitrabhanu Mohapatra condemning the incident said, "A case will be registered against Maoists on the basis of the girl's statement and stringent action will be taken".

A CPI-Maoist cadre of MVKB, carrying a cash reward of INR 100,000 on his head, surrendered before the Police in Malkangiri District. Rama Podiami alias Rahul, a native of Marigeta village under Kalimela Police limits was working as a party member for the MVKB of AOBSZC. He surrendered with 9 mm pistol and 13 bullets before SP, Mitrabhanu Mahapatra, in District Police office. Addressing mediapersons Mahapatra said, Rahul was active in the cut-off region and working with LGS in Malkangiri and Andhra Pradesh forests. He was involved in a series of crimes like killing of Deba Sodi and Irma Wanjami of Silakota in 2014, Kasa Madhi of Sungel in 2013, Dasa Madhi of Jantri in 2015 and exchange of fire at Silakota in 2013, the SP informed.

A CPI-Maoist cadre of MVKB, carrying a cash reward of INR 100,000 on his head, surrendered before the Police in Malkangiri District. Rama Podiami alias Rahul, a native of Marigeta village under Kalimela Police limits was working as a party member for the MVKB of AOBSZC. He surrendered with 9 mm pistol and 13 bullets before SP, Mitrabhanu Mahapatra, in District Police office. Mahapatra said, Rahul was active in the cut-off region and working with LGS in Malkangiri and Andhra Pradesh forests. He was involved in a series of crimes like killing of Deba Sodi and Irma Wanjami of Silakota in 2014, Kasa Madhi of Sungel in 2013, Dasa Madhi of Jantri in 2015 and exchange of fire at Silakota in 2013, the SP informed.

Malkangiri SP, Mitrabhanu Mohapatra, urged top CPI-Maoist leader Ramakrishna alias RK to lay down arms. RK was critically injured in the October 24 encounter between the SFs and Maoists at the Panasput forest in the cut-off region of Malkangiri District. SP Mohapatra said RK has sustained injuries on his leg during the encounter, and presently, he is undergoing treatment at some rebel camp on the AOB. Sources said the Police of the States, Odisha as well as Andhra Pradesh have alerted all the hospitals as they suspect that the wounded rebel leader might go there for treatment.

In spite of the support of CPI-Maoist, the 12-hour bandh called by various opposition parties in protest of the Government's demonetisation move received no response in the Malkangiri, Koraput and Rayagada Districts. Poonam Chandra, spokesperson of the Malkangiri division of the CPI-Maoist party, sent letters to various members of the media in the District. Through them, Chandra asked for vehicles to be kept off the road and business establishments to be shut down. However, Government and private offices, the public transport system, and a majority of business establishments remained functional through the day, even in Maoist-dominated areas like Chitrakonda, Kalimela, Bhijengiwada and Podia in Malkangiri, and Narayanpatna, Bandhugaon and Lamtaput in Koraput.

The CPI-Maoist Central Committee it was the biggest loss to the party in the history of Indian revolution. It has alleged that the Jantri encounter (Ramaguda near Bejjangi) in Malkangiri District on October 24 was a covert action, which has to be examined. Committee official spokesman Abhay said it would take a long time to recuperate its strength. However, the losses and failure would not stop the communists from their goal, the committee said. The Central Committee has asked military formations PLGAs, party cadres, organisations, Janatana Sarkar and people to transform the sorrow into a fight against the enemy. At the same time, it has asked the people and guerilla forces to be on the alert in the future. The press note released on Abhay's name demanded a judicial inquiry into the encounter. He elaborated the names of the deceased persons, which were the same as released by the AOBSZC official spokesman Jagabandhu in October. Abhay said the enemy (read government) has been trying to eliminate the revolutionaries by turning a few into informers. "We have identified 12 coverts at Darbha area in Chhattisgarh last year. We killed two persons after holding a praja court," he said. Abhay claimed that revolutionary activists were murdered through covert actions at the Pavuralagutta, Manala, Kanchala and Bottemtong incidents in Chhattisgarh and the recent Jantri incident. According to him, Operation All Out, Operation Blue Moon and Operation Viswas in the AOB areas, Bastar Mission-2016, Operation Monsoon and Operation Maha Abhiyan in Dandakaranya are some of the brutal attacks on the people's movement.

Around 103 CPI-Maoist supporters surrendered before the SP in Malkangiri District. All those who surrendered were identified as residents of Idikonda village under Kalimela block in the District. Among them, 29 were active members of the militia.

An exchange of fire took place between SOG jawans and the CPI-Maoist cadres near Lankagarh gram panchayat under Belaghar Police limits in Kandhamal District. Police said the gunbattle took place while SOG jawans were conducting a raid at a Maoist camp. IG, Amitabh Thakur said acting on a tip off about the Maoist camp at Lankagarh panchayat, SOG jawans conducted the operation. On seeing the security personnel, around 20-25 Maoists, who were present there, started firing. In retaliation, SOG personnel also fired. The SOG jawans seized explosives, arms and ammunition and old currency notes from the Maoist camp.

Some Maoist posters, asking people to observe PLGA week from December 2 to 8, were found at Parlimal and Tanla Villages of Belpara block in Balangir District. The Maoist group urged the people to join their ranks in large numbers and extend cooperation to the outfit. According to reports, the posters have been put up by members of Balangir-Bargarh Mahasamund division protesting various developmental policies of the Centre.

The 16th PLGA week is expected to be different this year, especially in the cut-off region of AOB area. Both the Police and LWE are in the preparatory mode to show their strength, and what makes the week different this year from the earlier ones, is that it is taking place after the recent string of encounters from October 24 to 27, in the cut-off region of AOB region, which left 30 Maoists dead, including top leaders such as Bakuri Venkata Ramana alias Ganesh and Samala Kistayya alias Daya. Both were of the rank of 'State Secretary' of the CPI-Maoist.

A day after an exchange of fire between CPI-Maoist cadres and SOG personnel near Lankagarh village under the Belaghar Police limits in Kandhamal District, SP, Pinak Mishra, informed that demonetized currency notes worth INR 32,000 were seized from a camp of the Maoists. A total of 48 scrapped notes in denominations of INR 500 and eight notes in denominations of INR 1000 were seized from the spot, the SP said. This apart, two tiffin bombs, two country-made guns, live bullets, 15 detonators, Maoist uniforms, cooking items and medicines were also seized, he said. "SOG jawans started an operation after getting information from the intelligence department regarding presence of Maoists on the hills near Lankagarh. The Maoists ran helter-skelter after an exchange of fire. There were 20 to 25 Maoists present at the camp," Southern Range IG, Amitabh Thakur.

The DVF personnel of Odisha have intensified their hunt to track down top the CPI-Maoist leader Ramkrishna alias RK dead or alive in Malkangiri District, following a tip-off that the mastermind of the banned outfit, injured in the encounter, is hiding somewhere inside the dense forest cover along AOB. The DVF personnel are thoroughly scanning possible hideouts of the Naxals. "The state government has provided us with sophisticated guns with a killing range of 300 metres. We have imparted advance training to the Malkangiri DVF to counter Maoists. With the modern weapons and training, we hope that we will make the district free from Maoists within some days," said Dambaru Hananga, DVF Leader. "Acting on the directive of the District SP, we have intensified Operation RK in the district. Our motto is to track down the Maoists and provide security to the people," Radhakrushna Nayak, a DVF jawan on duty said. Talking to the media about the Operation RK, Malkangiri, SP, Mitrabhanu Mohapatra said as per the information, RK has sustained bullet injuries on his leg during the encounter in Panasput area in Chitrakonda block on October 24. The top Maoist leader is undergoing treatment in a Maoist camp somewhere on Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border. "We are collecting more information on this," he added.

Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik informed the Assembly that 19 of the 30 Districts of Odisha are Naxal prone. In a written reply to a question from Kailash Kulesika (Congress), the CM said 45 CPI-Maoist cadres have been killed and 80 arrested in 55 encounters since 2015 till November this year. Besides, five BSF jawans among seven security personnel have been killed during encounter with Maoists during the period, he said. Naveen said during the period, 94 Maoists have surrendered of which 44 were rehabilitated under the surrender rehabilitation policy. In a written reply to a question from Tara Prasad Bahinipati (Congress), the CM, however, said there has been a progressive decline in the overall LWE in Odisha. During the year till November 15, 2016, 57 cases of LWE-related violence have taken place in Odisha in which 17 innocent people died. As many as 39 Maoists have been killed in police action during the period, he said and added that adequate and effective steps are being taken to combat LWE in the State.

Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik said that at least 48 CPI-Maoist cadres including some of their leaders have been neutralised during 2015 and in 2016. "There is significant reduction in the strength of Maoists in the state. 48 Maoists including state committee members have been neutralised, 88 LWE members have been arrested and 95 have surrendered in the state during 2015 and in 2016 till November 30," he informed the Legislative Assembly of Odisha. Large number of pro-Maoist militia and sympathisers has publicly announced withdrawal of their support from the Maoists in Malkangiri District, which was an encouraging development, the Chief Minister added."Attempts by Maoists to intensify their activities in Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Boudh and Nayagarh districts have been contained due to pro-active police action," he said. In order to increase mobile telephone connectivity in Naxal-affected areas, Patnaik said 248 towers have been operationalised and proposal for installation of 518 more towers covering naxal -affected districts has been sent to the Centre for approval.

District Police recovered the body of T Anil Kumar alias Chandu, a former CPI-Maoist cadre of KSSZC of CPI-Maoist, from Kanti Village under Semiliguda Police limits in Koraput District. He was also the head of the Intelligence Wing of the committee. Chandu's body bore injuries on his back which indicates that he was attacked from behind. According to ASP, BR Rao, Chandu, who belonged to Chirala Village in Andhra Pradesh, was arrested from Talapaniki village under Narayanpatna Block in the District in 2014. He was granted conditional bail and later rehabilitated in Koraput. His wife Sandhya Padiyami, another CPI-Maoist cadre hailing from Malkangiri District, had also surrendered before the District Police during that period. They were both working in the intelligence wing of KSSZC of the CPI-Maoist. Sources said Chandu had received a warning letter from the Maoist party suspecting him to be 'police informer'.

A discussion on development and security of CPI-Maoist prone areas was held between the Odisha Government and Central Cabinet Secretary via video conferencing. After the meeting State Home Secretary Asit Tripathy said additional requirement of two battalions of forces and balance budget of Gurupriya Bridge was demanded to centre. Further construction of 518 new mobile towers, more banks and ATMs were also demanded, added Tripathy. DGP, KB Singh said discussion on re-starting Andhra-Odisha Green Hunt Operation was discussed on the meeting. Joint discussions on new strategies for dealing with Maoists, place of posting of the trained security officers and their ranks were held, added Singh.

A person identified as G. Apparao, husband of Talagoluru Gram Panchayat's Naib Sarpanch, was shot dead by the Naxals at Munuguluwalsa village under Pottangi Police limits in Koraput District. According to reports, a group of 10-15 Naxals called Apparao out of his home and had an exchange of words with him following which they fired at him killing him on the spot. The Naxals also torched two tractors and one van of Apparao before leaving the spot.

Five persons were arrested for their alleged involvement in the murder of former CPI-Maoist cadre T Anil Kumar alias Chandu at Upper Kanti village under Semiliguda Police limits of Koraput District on December 14. The arrested are President of Sunabeda Tippers & Truck Owners Association Narendra Macha alias Mitu Kalia, his wife Jayanti Macha, son Amir Macha and his aides Madhu Tadangi and Biswanath Padhi.

CPI-Maoist cadres killed a villager by slitting his throat, beaten up four others severely and taken another villager into their custody in Malkangiri District. According to information, about 40 Maoists entered Chandanguda village under the Kudumulugumma block and committed the acts. The deceased was identified as Rabi Pujari and the abducted as Nanda Goliri of Andrapalli village in the cut-off area. Meanwhile, villagers of Chandanguda have strongly protested the Police inaction and blocked the Balimela-Jeypore route keeping the dead body on the road.

A group of armed CPI-Maoist cadres shot dead a villager of Sanyasiguda in Malkangiri District. According to reports, the Maoists came to Sanyasiguda village of Andrapalli panchayat in Chitrakonda block in the early morning hours with Nanda Golari whom they had kept as hostage for two days. Later, they shot him dead in front of his house and fled the area. It may be mentioned that the Maoists had brutally killed Rabi Pujari of Chandanpur village under Kudumulugumma block on December 27 by beating him to death. Later, they went to Sanyasiguda village and abducted Nanda Golari.

A group of CPI-Maoist cadres assaulted a panchayat samiti member of Kudumuluguma in Malkangiri District and left him inside a forest. A group of 20 armed CPI-Maoist cadres thronged Nakamamudi village and forcibly took away the samiti member, Madhav Sisa from his house to a nearby forest. They assaulted him severely and left Sisa in the forest in a critical condition. Some villagers rescued the samiti member and admitted him to the District Headquarters Hospital, where he is undergoing treatment now. His condition is stated to be critical.