Bhubaneswar: In a significant breakthrough, Maoist Commander Ramana Irpa alias Bikesh, along with six hardcore Maoists, has surrendered before security forces in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh. Bikesh, who was the Commander of the 8th Company of the Maoist outfit operating in the KKBN (Kandhamal-Kalahandi-Boudh-Nayagarh) area, was carrying a reward of Rs 25 lakhs from Chhattisgarh and Rs 10 lakhs from Odisha.
The Maoists who surrendered include Ramana Irpa alias Bikesh, Rame Kamlu alias Pramila, Hunga Madkam alias Mainu, Paro Sikako alias Shanti, Lakse Podiami alias Asha, Dukaru Lekam alias Dora, and Jogi Padiam alias Raimati. They were operating in Odisha’s Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Boudh, and Nayagarh districts and were involved in various violent incidents, including killings of civilians, in Kandhamal, Rayagada, and Kalahandi over the past five years.
The total reward on the seven Maoists was Rs 89 lakhs. After surrendering, Bikesh stated that he left the Maoist party due to the intensive operations conducted by the Odisha Police. The Maoists are facing severe mental and health issues due to their nomadic lifestyle. Bikesh appealed to all Maoists operating in Odisha to surrender and join the mainstream, reflecting the growing demoralisation among Maoist cadres in the state.
Jagdish Udupa, a Maoist who had surrendered in June, appealed to others to shun violence and join the mainstream. “My name is Jagdish Udupa. I am a member of the Odisha State Committee. I surrendered in Bijapur in June. I have received all the facilities from the government as per policy. If you surrender by contacting the Kandhamal SP, you can get all the facilities like me.”
Odisha Police have also appealed to all the Maoists operating in Odisha to surrender and their welfare will be taken care as per the Rehabilitation and surrender policy of the government.
Desertion of seven top cadres from Odisha will severely weaken the Maoist outfit, police said.
