Koraput: In a major success for security forces fighting the Naxal menace in the southern districts of the State, a top-ranking woman area commander of the banned rebel group surrendered before the Koraput district police on Wednesday.
The surrender of Rame Mandakini, who carried Rs 4 lakh reward on her head, assumes considerable significance as it comes on the day the Maoists groups begin observing the week-long People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) Week.
Madkami’s surrender is believed to have dealt a body blow to the rebel group which has been jolted by a series of defections, surrenders in its ranks as well as the arrest and killing of its top cadres in police encounters, recently.
Top police sources said that Madkami was operating as the area commander in the Security Unit of a top-level Maoist rebel leader. She had as many as 10 criminal cases registered against her in different police stations across Koraput and Malkangiri areas.
Sources said following her surrender, Madkami will be provided monetary assistance as per Surrender and Rehabilitation Scheme of the State Government and financial assistance for building house, pursuing studies and training in a trade or vocational of her liking.
It is worth mentioning that earlier this week a top Maoist commander was arrested from the dense Jantri forests in the Swabhiman Anchal area during a search operation. However, his identity had been withheld by the police.
Prior to that the security personnel had gunned down a Maoist cadre, identified as Kishor, in the forests and seized an AK-47 rifle and a large quantity of explosives from his hideout.
Another Maoist rebel had sustained injury during the operation.
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Security Beefed Up In Malkangiri As Maoists Set To Observe PLGA Week From Today