Malkangiri (Odisha)- In a significant development marking the weakening grip of Maoist influence in the region, six hardcore Maoists surrendered before the Narayanpur Police in Chhattisgarh on Saturday. Among them were four women and two men, all of whom had bounties declared on their heads totaling Rs10 lakh.
According to police sources, the surrender took place near the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border in the presence of senior police officials. The most wanted among them, Dhanaya Halami, had a reward of Rs5 lakh announced by the authorities. Others included Sukaya alias Roshni Poyam, Dashmati Kebachi, Chetaram Usendi alias Rushi, Gangu Poyam, and Shari alias Gagari Kebachi — each carrying a bounty of Rs1 lakh.
This development comes amidst ongoing intensive combing operations by security forces in Maoist-affected regions. Officials claim that the deaths of several top Maoist leaders in recent encounters, along with sustained developmental work initiated by the Chhattisgarh government, have led to growing disillusionment among lower-rung cadres.
The surrendering Maoists reportedly expressed their willingness to renounce violence and join the mainstream of society. They cited a lack of ideological clarity within the Maoist movement and growing faith in the state’s rehabilitation efforts as key reasons for their decision.
