15-Year-Old Maoist Surrenders Before Rourkela Police

Rourkela Police announced that a 15-year-old Maoist cadre surrendered on Thursday, citing disillusionment with extremist ideology and constant threats to his life.

Police identified the surrendered cadre as Roya Kalundi alias Ganesh, a native of Kontodya village under Jamda police station in West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand.

According to police records, Kalundi joined the CPI (Maoist) organisation in 2022 at the age of 12 after senior Maoist leaders motivated him. He later operated across the Saranda and Kolhan regions and engaged in several Maoist activities, including arms movement, explosive handling, and reconnaissance operations.

Police confirmed that Kalundi was involved in multiple cases registered at K. Balang police station and BNDM GRPS under UAPA, Arms Act, and Explosive Substances Act. At the time of surrender, authorities seized a 9mm carbine weapon. Moreover, Kalundi reportedly participated in railway track blasting, IED explosions, and a Banko looting incident in 2025, along with intelligence gathering and logistical support for Maoist units in Odisha and Jharkhand.

Following his surrender, officials categorised him as a Party Member (PM) under the Odisha government’s surrender and rehabilitation policy. Consequently, he will receive financial assistance of up to Rs 1.65 lakh, skill development training, a monthly stipend, healthcare coverage, and subsidised ration facilities. In addition, he will be eligible for housing assistance or cash equivalent under the Antyodaya housing scheme, along with a one-time marriage incentive of Rs 25,000.

Police authorities emphasised that the surrender reflects the growing impact of sustained anti-Maoist operations and rehabilitation initiatives. They appealed to other Maoist cadres to surrender and take advantage of government schemes aimed at long-term peace and development in insurgency-affected regions.

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