₹11 million reward Maoist commander Ganesh Uike killed in Odisha, Amit Shah calls it major success

Bhubaneswar (The Uttam Hindu): Security forces have achieved another major breakthrough in the ongoing campaign to eliminate Naxalism from the country. After the killing of dreaded Maoist Hidma, forces have now dealt a strong blow to the Maoist network in Odisha’s Kandhamal district. In a fierce encounter, six Maoists, including CPI (Maoist) Central Committee member Ganesh Uike, were killed.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah shared details of the operation on Thursday and described it as a significant achievement for the security forces. According to senior police officials leading anti-Naxal operations in Odisha, the encounter took place in the dense forests under the Chakapad police station area of Kandhamal district. Two women Maoists were also among those killed.

Ganesh Uike, aged 69, was a key Maoist leader in Odisha and carried a reward of ₹11 million (₹1.1 crore). A native of Pullemala village in Telangana’s Nalgonda district, he was known by several aliases, including Pakka Hanumanthu, Rajesh Tiwari, Chamru, and Roopa. His death is being seen as a major setback for the banned Maoist organization.

Posting on social media platform X, Amit Shah termed the operation a milestone toward a Naxal-free India. He said that with this success, Odisha is now on the verge of becoming completely free from Naxalism. Reiterating the government’s resolve, the Home Minister stated that the Centre remains committed to eliminating Left Wing Extremism from the country by March 31, 2026. Security agencies have described the operation as a clear example of precise intelligence and effective strategy.