Hardcore Maoist carrying Rs 4 lakh bounty surrenders in Odisha

In a major breakthrough in anti-Maoist operations, a dreaded Maoist of the Bansadhara-Ghumusar-Nagabali (BGN) division, Bijaya Punem alias Ajay, on Tuesday surrendered before the Superintendent of Police in Rayagada district. 

The surrender marks a significant blow to the outlawed CPI (Maoist) organization, particularly in Odisha and Chhattisgarh border areas.

Originally a resident of Husur village under Bijapur district in Chhattisgarh, Bijaya surrendered with one pistol and eight rounds of live ammunition. The Odisha government had announced a reward of Rs 4 lakh for information leading to his arrest. 

His surrender was the result of growing pressure from security forces and deteriorating conditions within the Maoist outfit.

According to police sources, Bijaya had been involved in multiple encounters between Maoists and security personnel in Kandhamal district of Odisha and several regions of Chhattisgarh. 

He had direct involvement in violent exchanges at Tumudibandh, Raikia, Gochhapada, and Kotagarh in Kandhamal, as well as Gariaband in Chhattisgarh. More than seven cases were registered against him for his involvement in various insurgent activities.

More Details About Bijaya Punem

Bijaya joined the CPI (Maoist) in 2009 and initially underwent basic training. He served as a personal security guard to Modem Balakrishna alias Manoj, a senior Maoist leader. 

In 2014, he was promoted from party member to Area Committee Member (ACM) and began operating actively under the BGN Division and worked as a gunman for Manoj.

By 2024, he had assumed leadership of the Ghumusar Area Committee of the BGN Division in Odisha.

Reasons to Quit

Citing reasons for his surrender, Bijaya revealed severe dissatisfaction with the Maoist leadership. He alleged mental torture by senior cadres, lack of basic food and water, constant fear of combing operations by security forces, internal discrimination in camps, and difficulties arising from language barriers. These factors, combined with the realization of a better life outside extremism, prompted him to give up arms.

It is worth mentioning that the Odisha government’s surrender and rehabilitation policy is considered one of the best in the country. Under this policy, surrendered Maoists are provided with financial assistance, housing, educational opportunities, and vocational training to support a dignified return to mainstream society.