Malkangiri: In a significant development, Malkangiri police secured the mass surrender of 22 Maoists in Malkangiri district on Tuesday, marking the first major surrender of the year in Odisha.
The districts of Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Balangir, Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Nuapada, Rayagada, and Boudh continue to witness Maoist influence. Six of these—Koraput, Malkangiri, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Nuapada, and Balangir—share borders with Chhattisgarh, a known Maoist stronghold.
According to reports, the surrendered cadres include one divisional committee member, six ACMs and DCMs, and 15 party members. Each carried bounties ranging from Rs 5.5 lakh to Rs 27.5 lakh.
Director General of Police Yogesh Bahadur Khurania is expected to release full details this afternoon.
The district administration confirmed that all surrendered Maoists will receive financial assistance and support to reintegrate into society.
