Have Two Maoists with Rs 8 Lakh Bounty Surrendered in Chhattisgarh?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- All members of the Udanti Area Committee surrendered.
- Two commanders had bounties of Rs 8 lakh each.
- Surrender signifies a major tactical victory.
- Six weapons were handed over to the police.
- Community outreach efforts are proving effective.
Raipur, Nov 7 (NationPress) In a significant achievement for Chhattisgarh's anti-Naxal efforts, all active members of the Udanti Area Committee—a crucial Maoist faction operating in the Gariaband-Dhamtari-Nuwapara division—have surrendered to law enforcement, delivering a substantial blow to insurgent activities in the area.
As per police reports, the surrender occurred in Raipur before Inspector General Amresh Mishra, and involved seven Maoists, including two high-ranking commanders with bounties of Rs 8 lakh each.
Among those who surrendered were Area Commander Sunil and Sachiv Arena, both seasoned operatives implicated in violent actions since 2010. They were accompanied by Ludron, Vidya, Nandini, Malesh—who each had a bounty of Rs 5 lakh—and Kanti, whose bounty was Rs 1 lakh.
This group, made up of four women and three men, arrived at the police station with six weapons, including an SLR, three INSAS rifles, and a single-shot firearm.
IG Mishra praised the surrender as a “key step towards restoring peace” in the area, emphasizing that this action effectively dismantles the operational capacity of the Udanti Area Committee. The decisive moment came when Commander Sunil made a public appeal for peace, urging fellow cadres to surrender.
His message resonated, leading to a unified decision to withdraw from the armed conflict. Security forces have reacted positively, viewing this as a “significant shift” in the ongoing endeavor to mitigate Naxal influence.
Police officials confirmed that the surrendered individuals were involved in numerous incidents over the past decade, contributing to instability and fear within the region. Their choice to surrender is anticipated to expedite developmental initiatives and enhance security conditions in Gariaband and surrounding districts. With the Udanti Area Committee now nearly non-existent, authorities are optimistic that the region is on the brink of a new era characterized by peace, advancement, and the gradual decline of extremist ideologies.
This surrender not only represents a strategic victory but also highlights the increasing effectiveness of rehabilitation efforts and community outreach in Chhattisgarh's ongoing struggle against Maoism.