Odisha Encounter Eliminates Top Maoist with ₹1 Crore Bounty
Six Maoists, including a top leader with a ₹1 crore bounty, killed in Odisha encounter.
Photo by Adhitya Sibikumar
In a significant breakthrough for internal security, six Maoists, including a top leader identified as Paka Hanumanthu (alias Ganesh), were killed in an encounter in Odisha. Ganesh, a 67-year-old from Telangana, was a Central Committee member of the outlawed CPI (Maoist) and carried a reward of ₹1 crore.
The Union Home Ministry hailed this as a "significant milestone towards Naxal-free Bharat," indicating Odisha is on the verge of becoming Naxal-free. This incident underscores the ongoing efforts by security forces to counter left-wing extremism and its impact on affected regions.
Key Facts
Six Maoists killed in Odisha encounter
Top Maoist leader Paka Hanumanthu (alias Ganesh) killed
Ganesh carried a ₹1 crore reward
Ganesh was a Central Committee member of CPI (Maoist)
Union Home Ministry called it a 'significant milestone towards Naxal-free Bharat'
UPSC Exam Angles
Internal Security challenges: LWE as a major threat.
Government policies and strategies to counter LWE (SAMADHAN, surrender policies, development initiatives).
Constitutional provisions related to law and order, federal structure in security management.
Role of various security forces (CRPF, State Police) and intelligence agencies.
Socio-economic factors contributing to LWE and government's developmental response.
Geographical spread and shrinking footprint of LWE.
Visual Insights
LWE Affected Districts & Odisha Encounter (December 2025)
This map illustrates the current LWE affected districts in India, highlighting the 'Red Corridor' states. The recent encounter in Odisha, eliminating a top Maoist leader, signifies a major step towards achieving a 'Naxal-free Bharat' by 2025, as stated by the Union Home Ministry. The map shows the shrinking geographical footprint of LWE.
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More Information
Background
Latest Developments
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India: 1. The 'SAMADHAN' doctrine outlines a multi-pronged strategy encompassing Smart Leadership, Aggressive Strategy, Motivation and Training, Actionable Intelligence, Dashboard-based KPIs, Harnessing Technology, Action Plan for each Theatre, and No access to Financing. 2. The term 'Red Corridor' primarily refers to the geographical region in India characterized by significant Naxalite-Maoist insurgency. 3. The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, empowers the Central Government to declare an organization as a 'terrorist organization'. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
Statement 1 correctly describes the 'SAMADHAN' doctrine, which is a comprehensive strategy adopted by the government to tackle LWE. Statement 2 accurately defines the 'Red Corridor' in the context of LWE. Statement 3 correctly states that UAPA empowers the Central Government to designate organizations as 'terrorist organizations', which is how CPI (Maoist) is outlawed. All three statements are correct.
2. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the institutional and legal framework to counter Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India?
- A.Law and order is primarily a State subject, but the Central Government plays a crucial role in supporting states through intelligence sharing and deployment of central armed police forces.
- B.The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is the nodal ministry for all matters related to LWE management, including policy formulation and coordination.
- C.The 'Surrender-cum-Rehabilitation Policy' for LWE cadres is a uniform, centrally-funded scheme implemented directly by the MHA across all affected states.
- D.The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is one of the primary Central Armed Police Forces deployed extensively in LWE-affected areas for anti-Naxal operations.
Show Answer
Answer: C
Statement A is correct: Law and order is a State subject, but the Centre provides significant support. Statement B is correct: MHA is indeed the nodal ministry. Statement D is correct: CRPF is a key force in LWE areas. Statement C is NOT correct. While the Centre supports and issues guidelines for 'Surrender-cum-Rehabilitation Policy', its implementation often involves state-specific policies and schemes, which are tailored to local conditions and are not uniformly and directly implemented by MHA across all states. States have their own rehabilitation policies, often with central assistance.
3. In the context of the historical evolution of Left Wing Extremism in India, consider the following statements: I. The Naxalite movement originated in the Naxalbari village of West Bengal in the late 1960s, primarily driven by agrarian discontent. II. The 'Operation Green Hunt' was a major anti-Naxal operation launched by the Indian government in the early 2000s, involving large-scale deployment of security forces. III. The Communist Party of India (Maoist) was formed by the merger of the People's War Group (PWG) and the Maoist Communist Centre of India (MCC) in 2004. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.I and II only
- B.II and III only
- C.I and III only
- D.I, II and III
Show Answer
Answer: D
Statement I is correct. The Naxalite movement indeed began in Naxalbari, West Bengal, in 1967, fueled by issues of land rights and exploitation of peasants. Statement II is correct. 'Operation Green Hunt' was a significant anti-Naxal offensive launched in 2009, involving central and state forces. Statement III is correct. The CPI (Maoist) was formed in 2004 through the merger of the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) People's War (PWG) and the Maoist Communist Centre (MCC). All three statements are historically accurate.
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Source Articles
Top Maoist leader Ganesh, who carried Rs 1 crore bounty and was among few remaining Naxals from Telugu states, killed in Odisha | India News - The Indian Express
Top Maoist leader Ganesh Uike, with bounty of Rs 1 crore on his head, gunned down in Odisha | India News - The Indian Express
Top Maoist leader with Rs 1 cr bounty among 14 gunned down in encounter | India News - The Indian Express
Top Maoist leader Ganesh Uike carrying Rs 1.1 crore bounty, three others killed in encounter in Odisha
Maoist carrying Rs 1 crore bounty on head among 3 red rebels killed in gunfight in Jharkhand