Odisha: A wanted Maoist leader has allegedly killed a senior commander identified as Anwesh, alias Renu, who was reportedly planning to surrender before the Odisha Police, officials said on Wednesday.

The decomposed body of Anwesh, who carried a reward of Rs 22 lakh on his head, was exhumed from the Pakari reserve forest under the limits of Daringbadi police station in Kandhamal district.

According to police officials, the killing was allegedly carried out after the commander expressed his intention to lay down arms. Authorities believe the act was intended to deter other cadres from surrendering.

The exhumation was conducted in the presence of magistrates and police personnel as part of the ongoing investigation. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination to ascertain further details regarding the cause of death.

Kandhamal district has witnessed Maoist activity in the past, with security forces continuing anti-insurgency operations in forested and remote areas. Police said further investigation is underway to identify the accused leader and gather more evidence related to the incident.

The case highlights internal tensions within outlawed Maoist groups, particularly as security agencies intensify efforts to encourage cadres to surrender and join rehabilitation programmes.