A hardcore Maoist, Bijaya Punem alias Ajay, carrying a Rs 4 lakh bounty on his head, surrendered before the police in Rayagada district on Tuesday.
Punem, originally from Chhattisgarh, had been active as a cadre Maoist in the Basadhara-Ghumusar-Nagavali division for several years.
Police sources confirmed his involvement in various Maoist violence incidents across Chhattisgarh, Malkangiri, Koraput, Nuapada, Kalahandi, Boudh, Kandhamal, and Rayagada. He had joined the Naxal organisation in 2009 and was later promoted to ACM in 2014 and division cadre leader in 2024.
During his surrender, authorities recovered a 9mm pistol, eight rounds of ammunition, a walkie-talkie, and a watch. Punem cited disillusionment with Maoist ideology and leadership as reasons for surrendering. He hinted that his wife and several associates might follow suit soon.
Under Odisha’s Naxal rehabilitation policy, Punem will receive government assistance, as confirmed by Rayagada SP Swathi S. Kumar.
Since 2006, 29 Maoists have surrendered in Rayagada district, marking a crucial development in the state’s counter-extremism efforts.
