A total of 24 Naxalites, including 14 carrying a reward of Rs 28.50 lakhs, surrendered before the police on Monday. Since January 1, 2025, 213 Naxalites involved in several incidents have been arrested, 203 Naxalites have surrendered and a total of 90 Naxalites have been killed in different encounters in the district. All the Naxalites who surrendered and joined the mainstream of society were given a cheque of Rs 50,000 each as an incentive.
"They cited disappointment with the inhuman Maoist ideology, atrocities on local tribals by ultras and growing differences within the outlawed outfit. They are also impressed by 'Niyad Nellanar' (your good village) scheme of the state government aimed at facilitating development works in remote villages around security camps," Bijapur Superintendent of Police Jitendra Kumar Yadav said.
"The surrendered cadres belong to different formations of east Bastar division, Partapur area committee and west Bastar division of the Maoists. Of them, Sudru Hemla (33), a member of Bhairamgarh area committee, and Kamli Modiam alias Urmila (36), Partapur area committee member, carried rewards of Rs 5 lakh each on their heads," he said.
Jaymoti Punem (24) and Mangu Punem (21) carried a reward of Rs 3 lakh and Rs 50,000, respectively, the SP added.
"Shamnath Kunjam (40), Chaitu Kursam (30), Buchchi Madvi alias Roshni (25), Sukhmati Ursa (28) and Somli Hemla (45) carried a bounty of Rs 2 lakh each, while Bujji Padam (20), Sukko Punem (28), Hidme Veko (22), Soni Korsa (30) and Lachha Tati (25) were carrying reward of Rs 1 lakh each," Yadav informed.
With this surrender, 203 Naxalites have so far laid down arms the district, while 90 have been killed and 213 arrested, he said.
All the surrendered Naxalites were provided assistance of Rs 50,000 each and will be further rehabilitated as per the government's policy, he said.
In 2024, a total of 792 Naxalites surrendered in Bastar region, comprising seven districts, including Bijapur, as per police.
(With inputs from agencies)