Fri Sep 12 07:08:38 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

A top leader of the CPI (Maoist), Modem Balakrishna, has been killed in an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh. This is a major blow to the Maoist movement in Odisha, where Balakrishna wielded considerable influence and oversaw strategies for expanding left-wing extremism. Odisha police are now aiming to eradicate Maoist influence in the state by March 2026. While Maoist activity in Odisha has decreased compared to the early 2000s, security forces remain vigilant, focusing on key divisions within the state and monitoring border regions for any resurgence. The death of Balakrishna has shifted the police focus to the other extremists hiding in Odisha.

**News Article:**

**Maoist Leader Killed in Encounter, Odisha Police Aim for Extinguishment by March 2026**

**BHUBANESWAR, September 12, 2025** – In a significant blow to the Communist Party of India (Maoist), a top leader, Modem Balakrishna, was killed in an encounter with security forces in the Gariaband district of Chhattisgarh on Thursday, September 11, 2025. Balakrishna, a central committee member of the CPI (Maoist) and a key strategist for the group, death gives promise to the Odisha Police who are now determined to rid the state of Maoist influence by March 2026.

“Balakrishna’s death is undoubtedly a setback for the Naxal movement in Odisha,” stated Sanjeeb Panda, Additional Director General (Operations) of Odisha Police. “He held immense sway over the cadres and played a crucial role in expanding left-wing extremism within the state.”

Balakrishna, originally from Telangana, had been involved in numerous attacks on security forces and infrastructure, including a 2009 assault on National Aluminium Company bauxite mines. He was recently operating within the Dhamtari-Gariaband-Nuapada (DGN) division, straddling Chhattisgarh and Odisha. Another key leader of Odisha State Committee named Pramod, was killed in the same encounter.

While Maoist activity in Odisha has decreased since the early 2000s, police remain vigilant, focusing on key divisions such as KKBN (Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Boudh, and Nayagarh) and BGN (Basadhara-Ghumusar-Nagavali). These regions, with their dense forests, offer potential havens for Maoist insurgents.

Authorities are also closely monitoring the movements of other top Maoist cadres, Nikhil and Suresh, along the Chhattisgarh border. Increased security measures are being implemented in Sundargarh district, bordering Jharkhand, following reports of violence and robbery of explosives as Maoists flee pressure from security forces in neighboring areas.

Odisha, once heavily affected by Maoist influence across 21 districts, has managed to reduce the number to seven through concerted efforts. The Odisha police and central police forces continue to deploy combative units in remote areas to prevent any potential resurgence of left-wing extremism. The death of Balakrishna marks a crucial step in their ongoing efforts.

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