Bhubaneswar, March 1 -- A marathon anti-Naxal operation has been underway for the past three days in the Daringbadi police station area of Odisha's Kandhamal district as security personnel intensify efforts to neutralise Maoist leader Shukru and his associate.

The operation was launched amid reports that Shukru is hiding in dense forest areas following the alleged killing of his fellow Maoist, Anvesh.

According to reports, Odisha Police are using advanced thermal sensor drones to trace Shukru, who is believed to be moving through thick forests and inaccessible terrain.

The drones are flying over miles of Maoist-prone areas in Daringbadi to identify suspected hideouts and monitor movement on the ground.

Officials said the drones are be...