Top Maoist Leader Ganesh Uike Killed in Odisha Encounter, Six Naxals Dead

Security forces have scored a major success in the fight against Left-Wing Extremism in Odisha. Senior Maoist leader and Central Committee (CC) member Ganesh Uike was killed in a fierce encounter with security forces in the forests of Kandhamal district.

Officials confirmed that the operation dealt a significant blow to the Maoist leadership structure operating across eastern and central India.

Encounter in Kandhamal’s Dense Forests

The encounter took place in the Rampa forest region, close to the Ganjam border in Kandhamal district. Acting on precise intelligence inputs, joint teams of Odisha Police’s Special Operations Group (SOG), the Central Reserve Police Force and the Border Security Force launched a coordinated operation.

Security forces surrounded the Maoist hideout, following which intense firing broke out from both sides. The exchange of gunfire continued for a considerable period in the challenging forest terrain.

Six Maoists Killed, Search Operation Continues

During post-encounter searches, security personnel recovered the bodies of four Maoists, including two women. One of the deceased was identified as Ganesh Uike. Later, officials confirmed that six Maoists were killed in the operation.

Authorities stated that the death toll could rise as search and combing operations continue in the surrounding forest areas. Identification of the remaining deceased Maoists is still underway.

Operation Monitored by Senior Police Leadership

Odisha Police’s Deputy Inspector General (Operations) Akhileshwar Singh personally monitored the entire operation. The district Superintendent of Police remained present on the ground to oversee tactical movements and security arrangements.

DIG Singh said the operation was based on credible inputs from the Special Intelligence Wing. He added that Ganesh Uike’s death has dealt a severe strategic setback to the Maoist movement in Odisha.

Massive Joint Force Deployed

The joint operation involved 20 teams of the SOG, two companies of the CRPF, and one team of the BSF. Security forces acted swiftly after receiving intelligence about the presence of senior Maoist leaders in the area.

As forces tightened the cordon, Maoists opened fire, prompting a prolonged gun battle. Officials described the encounter as one of the most intense operations conducted in the region in recent years.

Ganesh Uike Carried ₹1.20 Crore Bounty

Ganesh Uike carried a cumulative reward of ₹1.20 crore announced by various states. Security agencies had been tracking him closely since the killing of dreaded Maoist commander Hidma.

Uike had evaded capture for decades and remained one of the most wanted Maoist leaders in the country. His elimination marks the end of a long-running manhunt.

Key Maoist Leader in Odisha

Ganesh Uike played a central role in Maoist operations across Odisha. He served as the in-charge of the South Sub-Zonal Committee and coordinated activities across multiple states.

For nearly three decades, he remained active in the Bastar region and other Maoist-affected belts. Investigators linked him to several deadly attacks, targeted killings, and acts of violence against security forces and civilians.

Native of Telangana’s Nalgonda District

Uike hailed from Telangana’s Nalgonda district. He also operated under aliases such as Paka Hanumanthu and Rajesh Tiwari. Maoist leadership had assigned him full responsibility for strengthening the organisation in Odisha.

Security agencies across seven states were searching for him, making his death a significant intelligence and operational victory.

Arms and Ammunition Recovered

Security forces recovered two INSAS rifles, one .303 rifle, and other ammunition from the encounter site. Officials confirmed that teams continue to sanitize the area to rule out the presence of any remaining Maoists.

2025 Emerges as a Turning Point

The year 2025 is shaping up as the most successful year for anti-Naxal operations in recent times. The killing of Keshav Rao alias Basavaraju in June, followed by the elimination of Hidma earlier, and now Ganesh Uike, underscores the sustained pressure on Maoist networks.

Officials said security forces will continue focused operations to dismantle the remaining leadership and restore lasting peace in affected regions.