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10 Hardcore Maoists Surrender in Odisha, Deal Major Blow to Insurgency

Ten hardcore Maoists from the KKBN Division formally surrendered before the Odisha Police in Kandhamal district, laying down their arms. The group includes a State Committee Member, Sanu Pottam alias Nitu, who carried a Rs 55 lakh bounty. The surrender reflects the weakening Maoist influence due to sustained security operations and follows the recent killing of a top leader. The cadres will be rehabilitated under a state policy, receiving financial aid and vocational training.

Key Points: 10 Maoists Surrender in Odisha, Rs 1.15 Crore Bounty

  • 10 hardcore Maoists surrender
  • Includes State Committee Member with Rs 55L bounty
  • Cadres laid down 10 weapons
  • To receive rehabilitation benefits
2 min read

Major blow to Maoists as 10 cadres lay down arms in Odisha's Kandhamal

10 hardcore Maoists, including a top leader, surrender in Kandhamal, dealing a major blow to Left-wing extremism in Odisha. They laid down arms and will receive rehabilitation.

"The surrender... reflects the steadily weakening influence of Left-wing extremist ideology in the region. - Sanjeeb Panda"

Bhubaneswar, March 11

As many as 10 hardcore Maoists on Wednesday formally surrendered before the Odisha Police at a special function held at the Reserve Police Lines in the state's Kandhamal district.

During the programme, the surrendered Maoists, operating under the KKBN (Kalahandi-Kandhamal-Boudh-Nayagarh) Division in Kandhamal district, voluntarily laid down their arms and handed over their weapons to Sanjeeb Panda, IPS, ADG (Anti-Naxal Operations), symbolising their decision to renounce violence and rejoin the mainstream.

Addressing the gathering, ADG Panda said: "The surrender of 10 Maoists, including State Committee Member (SCM) Sanu Pottam alias Nitu, reflects the steadily weakening influence of Left-wing extremist ideology in the region."

Panda further emphasised that sustained operations by security forces, including the Special Operation Group (SOG), District Voluntary Force (DVF) of Odisha Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Border Security Force (BSF), have eroded the Maoists' base. He assured that all surrendered Maoists would be extended benefits under the state government's Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy, including financial assistance and vocational training to help them reintegrate into society with dignity.

Notably, Nitu, a native of Bijapur district in Chhattisgarh, carries a bounty of Rs 55 lakh as a State Committee Member of the Odisha State Committee of the Communist Party of India (Maoist). Nitu had joined the Maoist organisation in 2004 and had been active in Odisha since 2022.

Among the 10 Maoists who surrendered on Wednesday are one State Committee Member, one Divisional Committee Member, two Area Committee Members and six party members. Together, they carried rewards totalling more than Rs 1.15 crore. Altogether, they will also receive compensation of over Rs 1.55 crore, including additional cash assistance of Rs 40 lakh.

The Maoists surrendered along with 10 weapons, including two INSAS rifles, two SLRs, three .303 rifles, two single-shot guns, one 12-bore gun and a large quantity of ammunition. The surrendered ultras will also receive about Rs 10 lakh for the weapons.

On the occasion, ADG Panda also appreciated the efforts of the CRPF, particularly the 80th Battalion of the force, in facilitating the surrender process.

Odisha Police sources said that after the killing of Central Committee Member Ganesh Uike in Kandhamal in December 2025 and sustained operations by security forces, the Maoists had become demoralised and decided to surrender and join the mainstream.

Following the latest surrender, the number of armed cadres operating in Odisha has come down to around 25, with their activity now limited to the border areas of Kandhamal, Kalahandi and Rayagada districts.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who has followed this conflict, the financial aspect is staggering. Over 1.15 crore in rewards on their heads, and now 1.55 crore in compensation. While peace is priceless, I hope the funds are managed transparently and actually help these individuals rebuild. The weapon surrender is a very positive visual.
P
Priya S
Finally, some good news from Kandhamal! My cousin serves in the CRPF there, and the stories he tells are harrowing. The sustained pressure by SOG, CRPF, and BSF is clearly working. Bringing the active cadre count down to just 25 is a massive achievement. Jai Hind!
V
Vikram M
A thoughtful step by the government with the rehabilitation policy. But let's be honest, the real test begins now. Will these former cadres get genuine job opportunities and social acceptance? Or will they be forever stigmatized? The vocational training promise must be followed through on the ground.
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Rohit P
Nitu joining in 2004 and being active since 2022... that's almost two decades in the movement. It must have taken immense courage to lay down arms. Hope this inspires others in the border areas of Kandhamal and Kalahandi to also choose peace. Development can finally reach these regions.
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Michael C
The mention of the 80th Battalion CRPF is important. Often these forces don't get the credit for the quiet, behind-the-scenes work that leads to surrenders. It's not just about operations, but also building trust. Well done to all involved.

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