A Maoist commander with a ₹55-lakh bounty has surrendered in Odisha, marking a significant boost to the state's efforts to curb Maoist activities.
The commander, Sukru, was considered the most senior active Maoist in Odisha and was leading a group of around 13 cadres operating in Kandhamal district.
He was opposed to the trend of Maoist cadres surrendering to authorities and had allegedly killed a junior member who wanted to surrender in January.
The surrender comes amid stepped-up efforts to eliminate Maoist presence in the state, with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi informing the Assembly that only 15 Maoists remain active in Odisha.
The state's surrender and rehabilitation policy is expected to encourage remaining cadres to surrender, with Odisha aiming to become Maoist-free by March 31.
