In a significant setback to the banned CPI (Maoist) organisation, one underground ACM-ranked cadre, Mamata Podiami alias Mamita alias Soni, surrendered before Koraput Police along with a firearm and ammunition.
The surrender took place in the presence of senior officials, including the DIG of Police, SWR, Koraput, DIG BSF, SP Koraput, Commandant BSF, and SDPO Jeypore.
During the surrender, the 26-year-old cadre laid down a 7.62 mm SLR rifle, a magazine, and 10 rounds of ammunition. She formally renounced violence, severed all links with extremist activities, and expressed faith in the democratic process.
Police sources confirmed that Mamata, a member of the AOB Military Platoon, was involved in several Maoist-related cases, including Katekalyan PS Case No. 28/2023 under IPC, Arms Act, Explosives Act, and UAPA sections. Investigations into her other activities in the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border areas are ongoing.
Authorities highlighted multiple reasons for her surrender: sustained appeals by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and police leadership, increased security force pressure, disillusionment with Maoist ideology, and the Odisha government’s new surrender-cum-rehabilitation policy.
Under the policy, Mamata will receive Rs 5.5 lakh for her rank, Rs 1.65 lakh for surrendering the firearm, and additional benefits, including housing under Antyodaya Gruha Yojana, a marriage incentive, skill development training with a monthly stipend, health coverage, and subsidised ration. An interim relief of Rs 50,000 has already been provided.
Odisha Police confirmed that with this surrender, Koraput district is now free of Maoist presence. The DGP appealed to remaining cadres to abandon violence and join the mainstream, assuring full support and rehabilitation benefits.
