Six high-ranking Maoists—including four cadres actively operating in Odisha—have surrendered before the police in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district. The group carried a collective bounty of INR 35 lakh on their heads.
The surrendered rebels include four Party Political Cadre Members and two Party Members (PM) cadre belonging to the West Bastar Division. According to police officials, the decision to abandon the path of violence was driven by mounting pressure from security operations, growing disillusionment with Maoist ideology, and the compelling appeal of the Chhattisgarh government’s surrender and rehabilitation policy.
Among those who laid down their arms are Rani Sodhi alias Sandhya, Pando Podiyam alias Sasmita, Sukku Kudiyam alias Santosh, and Kosa Madhvi alias Satish, each carrying a reward of INR 8 lakh. Additionally, Deve Modkam alias Jonny carried a bounty of INR 2 lakh, while Lalu Tati had a reward of INR 1 lakh on his head.
Addressing a press conference, Bijapur Superintendent of Police Umesh Prasad Gupta, along with the DIG and other senior officials, attributed the success to the coordinated efforts of the Bijapur District Reserve Guard (DRG), the CRPF’s 170th Battalion, and local police forces. Officials highlighted that while major leadership cadres have previously returned to the mainstream, the surrender of these active ground-level members further weakens the dwindling insurgent network in the region.
District administration and police authorities have announced that all surrendered individuals will receive financial assistance, skill development training, housing, and livelihood support in accordance with state guidelines to ensure a smooth transition back into mainstream society.
