Maoist with Rs 11 lakh bounty surrenders in Maharashtra

Gadchiroli: A female Maoist involved in various encounters, including one that resulted in the tragic loss of 12 security personnel, as well as instances of arson and murder has surrendered to the authorities in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district.

She was collectively carrying rewards amounting to Rs 11 lakh.

The surrender of the Maoist cadre, identified as Rajani, also known as Kalawati Samayya Veladi, who hails from Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, marks a significant event in the ongoing efforts to address the Naxalite issue in the region.

According to a statement by Gadchiroli Superintendent of Police (SP) Neelotpal, Samayya Veladi disclosed that senior Maoist leaders had directed operatives like her to collect funds for the "movement." However, she alleged that these leaders were misappropriating the funds for their personal use, rather than furthering the cause they purported to champion. She further highlighted the discrimination faced by women within the Maoist ranks, emphasising that married members were denied the opportunity to lead independent married lives.

Samayya Veladi's involvement in multiple armed confrontations with security forces, including a 2017 ambush-cum-encounter in Chhattisgarh that resulted in the tragic loss of 12 jawans, along with her participation in acts of murder, arson, and other violent activities, had collectively led to rewards totaling Rs 11 lakh being placed on her.

The Maharashtra government had announced a reward of Rs 6 lakh, while Chhattisgarh had issued a reward of Rs 5 lakh for her apprehension.

The police underscored the growing disillusionment among several members of the banned CPI (Maoist) due to the hollowness of their leaders' claims and their frustration with the indiscriminate violence inflicted upon civilians. Many of these disillusioned individuals are increasingly drawn to Maharashtra's "Surrender-cum-Rehabilitation" policy for Naxalites, seeing it as an opportunity to leave behind their militant past and reintegrate into mainstream society.

The Gadchiroli police revealed that thus far, a total of 586 active Maoists have surrendered under the state's policy. As part of the rehabilitation process, Samayya Veladi will receive Rs 4.5 lakh in assistance.

The authorities reaffirmed their commitment to providing all necessary support and assistance to individuals willing to surrender and transition to a life outside the Maoist insurgency.