Bhubaneswar, Odisha Police are preparing to launch a major anti-Maoist operation in the Gandhamardhan hills, a top officer said. Odisha Police prep for major offensive against Maoist operation in Gandhamardan hills ADG Sanjeeb Panda said a blueprint has been made to arrest or neutralise some red rebels taking shelter in the Gandhamardhan hills that span across Bolangir and Bargarh districts. Additional jawans of the CRPF and the state police’s elite special operation group will be deployed for the operation. Panda said Odisha Police are optimistic about meeting the March 31 deadline for declaring the state, as well as the country ‘Naxal-free’. He said at least five districts Nuapada, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, Koraput and Boudh have so far been declared ‘Naxal-free’ following the surrender of Maoist cadres. The ADG said the police have already intensified intelligence gathering from both districts. He held a meeting with the stakeholders and SPs of both districts. Maoist activities have been reported in the hill range since 2008, and several gun battles have taken place in the area, police said. The recent …