Indus Valley Times

By Iswar Rao

Malkangiri, Jan. 26: Three hardcore Maoists, including a female cadre, carrying Rs 1 lakh reward each on their heads surrendered in the extremist-hit Malkangiri district of Odisha on Thursday on the occasion of Republic Day.

The surrendered rebels included Mati Madhi (22) alias Manoj of Daldali village, Pandu Kabasi (27 years) and Aite Karttami (21 years), all from Daldali village under Mathili police limits in Malkangiri district.

The trio was active members of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC) of CPI (Maoist).

As per the police information, Manoj had joined the banned CPI (Maoist) party in 2017 and worked as a party member of Mahupadar Kangerghati assembly constituency AC under DKSZC. He was carrying a cash reward of Rs 1 lakh on his head.

Pandu had joined the Maoist organisation in the same year. Prior to his joining the Maoist group, he was working as a militia commander and was carrying a cash reward of Rs 1 lakh announced by the Odisha government.

Moreover, Aite Karttami joined the banned CPI (Maoist) party in 2022. She was also carrying a cash reward of Rs 1 lakh on her head.

The surrendered ultras said they got disillusioned with the party leaders after realising that they were doing nothing for the development of their area and were only concerned about their own interests.

“They will be properly rehabilitated and will receive monetary assistance as per the Surrender and Rehabilitation Scheme of the Government of Odisha. They will also get financial assistance for building a house, pursuing studies, and getting training in a trade/vocation of their will,” Malkangiri police said in a statement.