Raipur, June 2
Sixteen Maoists, including two hardcore insurgents, have surrendered in Sukma, Chhattisgarh, marking a significant setback for the Maoist movement in the region.
Among them, a woman and a man carried individual bounties of Rs 8 lakh, while others had varying rewards, bringing the total to Rs 25 lakh. The surrender took place on Monday before senior police and CRPF officers in Sukma district.
Superintendent of Police Kiran G Chavan said that the Maoists were influenced by the Chhattisgarh government's 'Niyad Nellnar' initiative, which aims to promote development in remote villages.
The ongoing crackdown on Maoist activities has led to a rise in surrenders, as insurgents face increasing pressure from security forces.
Among those who surrendered, Rita alias Dodi Sukki, a 36-year-old member of the Maoists' Central Regional Committee (CRC) Company Number Two, and Rahul Punem, a party member of the PLGA Battalion Number One, each carried a reward of Rs 8 lakh.
Additionally, Lekam Lakhma had a bounty of Rs 3 lakh, while three others—Sodi Chula, Telam Kosa, and Dodi Hurra—had rewards of Rs 2 lakh each. Nine of the surrendered Maoists hailed from Kerlapenda Gram Panchayat, which has now been declared Maoist-free following their surrender.