Maoist with Rs. 2 Lakh Bounty Arrested in Bijapur; Four Surrender in Sukma

 

In a significant development in Chhattisgarh’s anti-Maoist operations, a Maoist carrying a Rs. 2 lakh bounty was arrested, while four others, including another with a Rs. 2 lakh reward, surrendered in separate incidents.

 

On Wednesday, 35-year-old Maoist Madkam Shankar, an active member of the Jagargunda area committee, was arrested in Bijapur by a joint team of the 210th CoBRA battalion and local police.

 

Shankar was apprehended in the forested area between Pusbaka and Gaganpalli villages. He was wanted for seven cases, including attacks on police and IED blasts, and had a bounty of Rs. 2 lakh on his head.

 

The security forces' continued operations in the region have resulted in over 700 Maoist arrests in Bastar this year, marking a notable success in curbing Maoist activities.

 

In a separate incident on Thursday, four Maoists, including another with a Rs. 2 lakh reward, surrendered before the security forces in Sukma district.

 

The surrendered Maoists—Midiyam Bhima, Sodi Munna alias Manoj, Muchaki Deva, and Sula Muchaki alias Kawasi—were active in the outlawed CPI (Maoist) group.

 

Bhima, a member of Platoon No. 4, cited disillusionment with the Maoist ideology and the atrocities committed against tribals as reasons for his surrender. They also expressed appreciation for the state government’s Maoist elimination policy and welfare schemes.

 

The surrendered Maoists were involved in planting bombs, attacking police parties, and putting up anti-government banners. Two of them had pending warrants.

 

They will now be rehabilitated under the government's surrender and rehabilitation policy, receiving financial aid as part of the process.

 

 

Sub Editor, The Narrative