Odisha Police offers rewards up to Rs 4.3 Cr for information on Maoists, launches bounty scheme

In an unprecedented move to curb Maoist activities, Odisha Police has unveiled a new incentive scheme offering cash rewards for capturing active Maoists or providing actionable information about their whereabouts.

Sources informed that posters announcing the programme have appeared at over nine locations across Boudh district, including Sigadi, Tilpanga, Udamunda, Matagadu, Khandikhanpa, Luharpada, Nalikumpa, and Palam, as well as in dense forest areas under Boudh, Kantamal, Baunshuni, and Manmunda police stations.

Phased Bounty System

According to the posters issued by the Boudh district police, a total of Rs 4.3 crore has been earmarked as rewards for tips leading to the arrest of 10 identified Maoists. Rewards are structured based on the level of threat and prominence of the Maoist:

Highest reward: Rs 1 crore for the capture of the most wanted Maoists

Minimum reward: Rs 20 lakh for providing actionable intelligence

Hardcore Maoists: Rs 50 lakh per individual

The posters clearly state that individuals who provide information about Maoists who have been killed or surrendered will also be eligible for rewards. Police have assured that the identity of informants will remain strictly confidential.

ALSO READ: Odisha youth poses as Maoist to extort Rs 35 Lakh from father, arrested

Call For Public Participation

The campaign, which roughly translates to “Catch Maoists, Earn Reward”, encourages citizens to come forward with information.

A dedicated hotline number, 9437643839, has been provided for reporting Maoist activities. Police officials have stated that tips leading to arrests or key intelligence will be promptly verified, and rewards disbursed accordingly.

Posters have been strategically placed in both urban and remote forested areas, including locations notorious for Maoist movement. The authorities aim to cover areas under multiple police jurisdictions, ensuring that the message reaches local residents and forest communities who are often the first to spot suspicious activity.