Boudh: In a renewed push against left-wing extremism, Odisha Police have announced cash rewards totalling ₹8.40 crore for information leading to the arrest of 18 wanted Maoists, an official said on Saturday.
As part of the drive, police have put up posters across interior pockets of Boudh district, calling upon local residents to assist security forces. The posters carry the message, “Help us to arrest Maoists and win prizes,” and detail the rewards announced for key leaders of the outlawed organisation.
The highest reward of ₹1.20 crore has been declared for Ganesh Ueike, a central committee member of the Maoist organisation. Rewards of ₹65 lakh each have been announced for special zonal committee members Sudarshan alias Bikash, Niranjan Rout alias Nikhil, Rashmita Lenka alias Ankita, Krishna alias Sukaru and Nitu. In addition, cash rewards of ₹37.5 lakh each have been declared for two military platoon commanders, while rewards of ₹32 lakh have been announced for 10 divisional committee members.
Police have assured the public that the identity of informers will be kept strictly confidential. Anyone with information has been asked to contact the police helpline number 9437643839.
Alongside the reward posters, the police have also displayed separate notices appealing to Maoists to surrender and rejoin the mainstream. These posters outline the benefits available under the government’s surrender and rehabilitation policy.
A senior police official said that anti-Maoist operations are being intensified in Boudh district in line with directions from the Government of India. He added that Maoists have been urged to give up violence, surrender before the police and take advantage of the welfare measures offered for their rehabilitation.
