Bargarh: Two hardcore Maoists including a woman gave up violence and surrendered before IG Himanshu Kumar Lal and Bargarh SP Prahlad Sahai Meena today. The rebels, identified as Amila Tati (35) and Raghu Padam (31), both from Chhattisgarh, were Area Committee Members of the banned CPI (Maoist) outfit.
According to police, the duo was active in the Gandhamardan Reserve Forest area for several years. Amila, also a former Platoon Commander, was involved in expanding Maoist activities in Bargarh and Bolangir districts since 2010 and carried a Rs 4 lakh reward on her head. Raghu, who joined the outfit in 2012, had a bounty of Rs 3 lakhs.
Two hardcore Maoists cadre Amila, ACM & Raghu, ACM of BBM division have surrendered before IG, NR, SBP by leaving the path of violence & embracing a peaceful life to join the mainstream society.Huge Dump of Explosive items & other maoist materials seized.@DGPOdisha pic.twitter.com/m6P2vqJwo0
— Bargarh Police (@bargarhpolice) August 30, 2024
Police described the surrender as a significant blow to Maoist operations in the Gandhamardan area. The cadres reportedly surrendered due to disillusionment with the outfit’s shift from its ideological goals to activities like extortion and attacks on civilians and security personnel.
The surrender marks a notable success for law enforcement efforts in the region. Further details are awaited.
