Hardcore Maoist with Rs 21 lakh reward surrenders before Malkangiri SP

A hardcore Maoist carrying a reward of Rs 21 lakh surrendered before the Superintendent of Police, Malkangiri, on Wednesday, marking a significant breakthrough in ongoing anti-Maoist operations in the region.

The surrendered Maoist has been identified as Sukram alias Suresh, an Area Committee Member (ACM) who was active across Odisha and Chhattisgarh. Police said he had been involved in Maoist activities for nearly 16 years and was linked to several serious offences.

According to police officials, Sukram was involved in IED explosions, abduction of civilians and multiple killings in Maoist-affected areas. His surrender is seen as a major setback for left-wing extremist groups operating in the region.

During the surrender, Sukram handed over one SLR rifle, 12 rounds of ammunition and other Maoist-related materials to the police. Malkangiri Superintendent of Police Vinod Patil said the surrendered cadre had played a key role in several violent incidents in both Odisha and neighbouring Chhattisgarh.

Police officials said the government’s surrender and rehabilitation policy has been yielding results, encouraging Maoists to abandon violence and return to the mainstream. Concerns over personal safety and sustained pressure from security forces have prompted several cadres to surrender in recent months.

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Officials noted that around 22 Maoists have surrendered before the Malkangiri SP recently, reflecting the impact of intensified anti-Maoist operations and rehabilitation efforts.

With the March 31 deadline set for making Maoist-affected areas free of insurgency approaching, security forces have stepped up operations in identified strongholds. Police said sustained action and community outreach programmes will continue to dismantle Maoist networks and restore lasting peace in the region.