Bhubaneswar, Jan 25 (IANS) Security was beefed up across Odisha Wednesday ahead of the Republic Day, with authorities wary of a retaliatory strike by Maoists after the recent arrest of one of their top leaders.

Although collectors of all the 30 districts of the state have been told to step up vigil, officials in Maoist-hit districts have been told to remain extra cautious, a police officer told IANS.

The rebels are active in more than half the districts of the state.

Maoists have already circulated posters and banners in their strongholds appealing to people to boycott the Republic Day celebrations Thursday and observe it as a black day.

Dhiren Mahato alias Mahru alias Girish was nabbed Tuesday from a village in Bargarh district, over 350 km from state capital Bhubaneswar.

Mahato was the second in command of the state unit of the outlawed Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist).

In Bhubaneswar, vehicles are being checked at all the city’s entry and exit points. Owners of hotels and lodgings have been told to inform police if they spot any suspicious person.