Bhubaneswar, March 20 -- Odisha Police, along with central forces, on Friday launched a major operation to capture senior Maoist leader Sukru in a dense forest spanning Kandhamal, Rayagada and Kalahandi districts, ahead of the March 31 deadline set by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to end Maoist violence in the country.

Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) Y.B. Khurania said joint teams of state police and central paramilitary forces were advancing through forested terrain at the tri-junction of Kandhamal, Rayagada and Kalahandi districts in pursuit of state committee member Sukru, who carries a bounty of Rs.55 lakh on his head.

"We have precise inputs regarding his location. The operation is currently underway, and forces are moving ...