Dantewada: Five Maoists, Including Four Women, Lay Down Arms

Five Maoist operatives, including four women, surrendered before security personnel in Dantewada on Tuesday. They belonged to the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee.

Authorities conducted the surrender ceremony at Police Lines in Karli under the ‘Puna Margem’ rehabilitation programme.

Officials confirmed that the cadres renounced violence and chose reintegration. They cited dwindling organisational strength and the futility of continued insurgency.

The administration had announced a combined bounty of ₹9 lakh on them.

The group included Some Kadti, around 42, affiliated with the Bhairamgarh Area Committee from Bijapur, carrying a reward of ₹5 lakh. The remaining members were Lakhma Oyam (19), Sarita Podiyam (21), Jogi Kalmu (20), and Moti Oyam (19), all party cadres from Bijapur.

Acting on intelligence inputs from the surrendered individuals, security forces uncovered 40 deadly weapons from concealed Maoist stockpiles.

The haul included eight SLR rifles, three INSAS rifles, one carbine, one .303 rifle, and five BGL launchers. This recovery has significantly weakened insurgent firepower.

Dantewada continues to record progress in anti-Maoist operations. Since early 2024, authorities have secured 607 surrenders under rehabilitation drives.

During the same period, forces arrested 92 Maoists and neutralised 54 in encounters.

Joint operations with Bijapur, Narayanpur, and Sukma districts have eliminated several senior insurgents.

Senior officials emphasised that the initiative ensures security, dignity, and livelihood support, fostering stability and long-term peace in Bastar.

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