SAA event in Odisha, Daringbadi Forest, Kandhamal District area, India on Wed 25th March 2026

On March 25, a Special Operations Group (SOG) jawan sustained injuries during an anti-Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) combing operation in the Daringbadi Forest area along the Kandhamal–Ganjam border in Kandhamal District of Odisha, reports Odisha TV. According to official sources, Security Forces (SFs) launched the operation following intelligence inputs regarding the presence of around nine cadres of the CPI-Maoist, reportedly led by a ‘commander’ identified as Shila. An initial exchange of fire was reported; however, authorities later clarified that the injured jawan, Sukanta Majhi, was hit due to accidental discharge from his own weapon. Additional Director General (ADG), Anti-Naxal Operations, Sanjeeb Panda stated that combing operations have been intensified. He added that only 8–9 Maoists remain active in Kandhamal, none of them senior leaders, and reiterated appeals for surrender under the State’s rehabilitation policy.