Kandhamal (Odisha) – In a significant breakthrough in anti-Maoist efforts, Kandhamal police achieved another success as three hardcore Maoists, including two women cadres, surrendered to the authorities. The surrender took place at the district police headquarters, where Southern Range IG Nitin Shekhar shared details during a press briefing.
Those who laid down arms include Madde Beti alias Champa, a Divisional Committee Member of the BGN group; Raju Dodi alias Ajay, an Area Committee Member of the KKBM group; and Admo Madhavi alias Manju. Champa had joined the Maoist ranks in 2009, while Ajay and Manju had become active in 2016 and 2011 respectively. All three were previously associated with the Chhattisgarh cadre and had been operating in the districts of Kalahandi, Kandhamal, and Boudh. Their primary mission was to revive Maoist activities in the Jharkhand-Chhattisgarh corridor.
According to IG Shekhar, the trio had links to multiple Maoist operations in the past. Continued pressure from joint anti-Maoist operations by security forces pushed them to reconsider their path. Disillusioned with the violent ideology and weary of the harsh life in the forests, they chose to return to the mainstream. They also acknowledged that the attractive rehabilitation package offered by the government played a key role in influencing their decision.
Police confirmed that the surrendered Maoists would be rehabilitated under both state and central government policies. Notably, just a few days ago, two Maoists were killed in an exchange of fire with police in the Baliguda area. These incidents point to a weakening Maoist presence in the region, and IG Shekhar stated that the number of active Maoists in Kandhamal, Boudh, and Kalahandi districts has now dropped below 50.
On this occasion, IG Shekhar appealed to all those still involved in armed rebellion to abandon violence and take advantage of the government’s rehabilitation schemes. He encouraged them to return to society and rebuild their lives with dignity and peace.
Kandhamal SP Harish V S and Commandant Pankaj Verma of the 127 CRPF Battalion based in Baliguda were also present during the press conference, underscoring the coordinated efforts of state police and paramilitary forces in tackling extremism and restoring normalcy in the region.
