Malkangiri: Three hardcore Maoists, including two carrying a Rs 1 lakh bounty each on their heads, today surrendered before police here.
The three red rebels, who were active in Padia Naxal Dalam in the district since 2010, surrendered along with a huge quantity of materials like cartridge and substances used in landmine making, Superintendent of Police Mitrabhanu Mohapatra told reporters.
The trio - identified as Muka Kunjami (35), Mukunda Sodi (30) and Budra Kunjami (32) - were involved in several offences including murder, blasting of government buildings and ambush, the SP said.
The Odisha government had announced reward of Rs one lakh each on the head of Muka and Mukunda, the SP said.
The three said they decided to give up arms and return to the mainstream as they were disillusioned with activities of the Maoists and realised that the red rebels were harassing and torturing the poor people and tribals.
The ultras were also killing innocent people by falsely branding them as police informers, besides torturing tribal girls and women, said the surrendered Maoists.