Odisha Police achieved a significant breakthrough in their anti-Maoist campaign as 22 Maoists surrendered before senior officials at the Malkangiri District Police Office in the presence of DGP Yogesh Bahadur Khurania.
To begin, the surrendered group included one Divisional Committee Member (DCM), six Area Committee Members (ACMs), several party members, and 10 women cadres. Their decision to join the mainstream marks a major success in the state’s counter-insurgency efforts.
Next, the Maoists handed over a large cache of arms and explosives, including one AK-47 rifle, two INSAS rifles, one 7.62 mm SLR rifle, three .303 rifles, two single-shot rifles, 150 live rounds, nine magazines, 20 kg of explosives, and 13 IEDs.
Furthermore, the surrendered cadres were identified as members of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC), Andhra-Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee, and Gadchiroli Area Committee. Among them were senior commanders such as Linge alias Muye Madkam, Baman Madkam, Sukka Muchaki, Rita Podiam, and Anila alias Budri Medium.
Moreover, under the state government’s new surrender and rehabilitation policy, the 22 cadres will receive Rs 1.84 crore in assistance, along with Rs 25,000 immediate relief per person, housing under Antyodaya Yojana, marriage assistance, health insurance, ration cards, and other benefits.
Officials noted that many of the surrendered Maoists had long been involved in violent activities, attacks on security forces, destruction of roads, and government property. Some also faced serious cases registered across different police stations.
In response, DGP Khurania welcomed their decision to abandon violence and assured full rehabilitation support. He urged remaining Maoists to surrender and embrace a dignified life in society.
Finally, the surrender ceremony was attended by ADGP (Anti-Naxal Operations) Sanjeeb Panda, DIG (SIW) Akhileshwar Singh, DIG (Southern Range) Dr. Kanwar Vishal Singh, Malkangiri Collector Somesh Upadhyay, and SP Vinod Patil, among others.
