Four Maoists with Combined Rs 8 Lakh Bounty Surrender in Sukma District
In a significant development in Chhattisgarh's ongoing anti-Maoist operations, four Maoists, including two women, surrendered with automatic weapons and ammunition in Sukma district on Friday. The surrendered individuals carried a combined bounty of Rs 8 lakh on their heads, marking a notable success for security forces in the region.
Details of the Surrendered Maoists
The group was led by commander ACM Sodhi Joga from the Kistaram area, who had a bounty of Rs 5 lakh. The other three party members were identified as Dabar Ganga, Sodhi Raje, and Madvi Budhri, each carrying a bounty of Rs 1 lakh. Police authorities confirmed that all four are accused in eight criminal cases and are currently undergoing questioning to gather further intelligence.
Weapons and Ammunition Deposited
During the surrender process, the Maoists deposited four firearms along with ammunition rounds. The weapons included an SLR, an INSAS rifle, a .303 rifle, and a .315 bore rifle. This handover of automatic weapons underscores the group's previous armed capabilities and the potential threat they posed in the area.
Joint Police Effort Facilitates Surrender
The surrender was facilitated through a coordinated joint effort between Sukma police and the Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) district police from Andhra Pradesh. This cross-state collaboration highlights the broader regional strategy to combat Maoist insurgency in central India.
Sukma Superintendent of Police Kiran Chavan provided additional details, stating that the four individuals belonged to the Golapalli local organisation squad (LOS). One held the rank of LOS commander, while the others were described as party members. They were active under the Konta–Kistaram area committee of the South Bastar division, a known hotspot for Maoist activities.
Impact of Security Measures
Police officials attributed the surrender to several key factors that have recently restricted insurgent movement in the interior regions. These include:
- Newly established security camps in the Kistaram and Golapalli areas.
- Improved road connectivity enhancing accessibility for security forces.
- Sustained anti-Maoist offensives that have shrunk what were once "free movement zones" for insurgents.
These measures have created increased pressure on Maoist cadres, limiting their operational freedom and encouraging surrenders as a viable alternative. The successful surrender of this group is seen as a positive step toward stabilizing the region and reducing violence.
The event underscores the ongoing challenges and efforts in Chhattisgarh's Maoist-affected districts, where security forces continue to work towards restoring peace and order through both offensive operations and surrender policies.
