15 Odisha cadre Maoists surrender in Chhattisgarh; top leader with Rs 65 lakh bounty among them

In a significant development in the anti-Maoist operations in eastern India, fifteen Maoists belonging to the Odisha cadre surrendered in neighbouring Chhattisgarh. Among those who laid down arms is senior Maoist leader Sudarshan, who carried a bounty of Rs 65 lakh on his head.

The development has drawn attention in both Odisha and Chhattisgarh, particularly as the group had been active in the Gandhamardan region spanning Bolangir and Boudh districts of Odisha.

Arms Seized After Surrender

Following the surrender, security forces seized a cache of arms and ammunition, including three AK-47 rifles, two INSAS rifles, and two SLR rifles.

Sudarshan and other members of the Bansadhara–Bargarh–Mahasamund (BBM) division state committee formally laid down arms before authorities in Chhattisgarh.

According to reports, the Maoists had earlier written to Chhattisgarh Home Minister Vijay Sharma expressing their willingness to surrender. The Chhattisgarh government subsequently assured them of full security and encouraged them to return to the mainstream.

High-Level Meetings Held

In the wake of the communication, meetings were convened in Bargarh involving ADG Sanjeeb Panda, IG (Operations) Deepak Kumar, officials from Bargarh and Bolangir police, and other concerned authorities to assess the situation and coordinate responses.

Demands Placed by Maoist Group

Before surrendering, the Maoist group reportedly requested the Chhattisgarh government to direct the Bargarh and Bolangir police to halt search and combing operations, stating that they were moving gradually and would eventually surrender.

They also placed three key demands before the government. These included recognition of the CPI (Maoist) as a political party after laying down arms and joining the mainstream, as well as the release of arrested Maoist members.

The Chhattisgarh Home Minister addressed certain aspects of these issues through radio broadcasts.

Questions Raised in Odisha

The surrender has triggered discussions in Odisha over why the Maoists, despite belonging to the Odisha cadre and being active in districts such as Bolangir and Boudh, chose to surrender in Chhattisgarh instead of Odisha.

Also Read: Surrender or face action, Odisha DGP warns Maoists

Security agencies are closely monitoring the situation, and further developments are awaited regarding rehabilitation measures and legal proceedings concerning the surrendered cadres.