Top Maoist Leader Ganesh Uike, 5 Others Killed in Gunfights in Odisha's Kandhamal

PTI, BHUBANESWAR, DEC 25, 2025: Top Maoist leader Ganesh Uike, who carried a bounty of Rs 1.1 crore on his head, was among six red rebels killed in gun battles with security forces in Odisha's Kandhamal district, police said on Thursday.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah called it a "major breakthrough", while Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi described it as a "remarkable success" in building a Naxal-free India. CPI-Maoist Central Committee member Uike was the chief of the banned outfit in Odisha, Sanjeeb Panda, an ADG rank officer heading anti-Naxal operations in the state, said.

Two Maoists from Chhattisgarh were killed in an exchange of fire with security forces in Gumma forest in Belghar police station area on Wednesday night.

Fresh gun battles took place in a forest in Chakapad police station area on Thursday morning, in which four other Maoists, including Uike, were killed, he said.

"Four Maoists were killed in the gunfight. One of them was identified as 69-year-old Ganesh Uike, who is also known by his aliases Pakka Hanumantu, Rajesh Tiwari, Chamru, and Rupa. He was a native of Pullemala village under Chendur mandal in Telangana's Nalgonda district," Panda said. The identity of the other three Naxals, including two women, was yet to be ascertained, the officer said.

Taking to X, Shah said, "In a major operation in Kandhamal, Odisha, 6 Naxalites, including Central Committee Member Ganesh Uike, have been neutralised so far. With this major breakthrough, Odisha stands at the threshold of becoming completely free from Naxalism. We are resolved to eliminate Naxalism before the 31st of March 2026."

Majhi, who is also the Home Minister of the state, congratulated the police personnel for their indomitable courage, professionalism, and excellent coordination.