Raipur
Five Maoist cadres, including four women, surrendered before senior police and administrative officials at the Police Lines in Karli on Tuesday. The cadres, affiliated with the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC), carried a combined bounty of ₹9 lakh.
The surrender took place under the ‘Poona Margem — Rehabilitation to Rejuvenation’ initiative. Bastar Range Inspector General of Police P. Sundarraj, Dantewada Collector Devesh Dhruv, and Superintendent of Police Gaurav Rai were present during the event.
Major Weapon Haul
Following information provided by the surrendered cadres, security forces conducted operations across various locations, leading to the recovery of 40 lethal weapons from multiple dumps. The seized armoury includes:
- 8 SLR rifles
- 3 INSAS rifles
- 1 Carbine
- 1 .303 rifle
- 5 BGL launchers
Police officials stated that this recovery has significantly impacted the military capability of the Maoist organisation in the region.
Profile of Surrendered Cadres
The surrendered group includes an Area Committee Member (ACM) and four party members operating in the West Bastar Division. The identified individuals are:
- Some Kadti (42): ACM, Bhairamgarh Area Committee, carrying a reward of ₹5 lakh
- Lakhma Oyam (19): Party Member, Bhairamgarh Area Committee, carrying a reward of ₹1 lakh
- Sarita Podiam (21): Party Member, Bhairamgarh Area Committee, carrying a reward of ₹1 lakh
- Jogi Kalmu (20): Party Member, Bhairamgarh Area Committee, carrying a reward of ₹1 lakh
- Moti Oyam (19): Party Member, Gangaloor Area Committee, carrying a reward of ₹1 lakh
Impact of Poona Margem
IG P. Sundarraj said the state is providing opportunities for rehabilitation, security, and a dignified life to youth who renounce violence. Since the launch of the ‘Poona Margem’ initiative in 2024, 607 Maoist cadres have joined the mainstream in Dantewada district.
The district administration and police have also intensified anti-Naxal operations in coordination with neighbouring Bijapur, Narayanpur, and Sukma districts. Recent operations have resulted in the arrest of 92 Maoists and the neutralisation of 54 others in various encounters.
Senior officials from the CRPF 111th and 231st battalions, along with district police officers, attended the surrender ceremony. The state government continues to implement policies to integrate former cadres into society as part of efforts to ensure peace and development in the Bastar region.
