A hardcore Maoist couple from Chhattisgarh, Unga Kalmu (25) and Mase Madvi (22), surrendered to the Odisha police at the Kandhamal District Police Office (DPO) on Sunday.
The couple had been part of the banned CPI (Maoist) Bansadhara-Ghumsar-Nagabali (BGN) division. They were tasked with reactivating the north-south corridor from Jharkhand to Chhattisgarh via south-central Odisha. They joined the group in 2018 and were involved in several violent incidents across the region.
Reasons Behind Their Surrender
Authorities stated that increased anti-Naxalite operations in Kandhamal, along with internal problems within the Maoist organization, prompted their decision. For instance, they cited:
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Sexual harassment of female cadres
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Extortion and illegal cannabis cultivation
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Rude and abusive behavior by senior leaders
Because of these issues, the couple chose to leave the path of violence and seek government-supported rehabilitation.
Government Rehabilitation and Support
The IGP, Southern Range Niti Shekhar, and Kandhamal SP Harish BC welcomed the surrender. They assured the couple of full rehabilitation under the state’s scheme, which includes:
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Financial assistance
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Homestead land allocation
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Housing support
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Vocational training with monthly stipend
Moreover, the IGP urged other Maoist cadres to renounce violence and return to mainstream society, stressing that anti-Maoist operations will be intensified in the coming months.
Arms Seized by Kandhamal Police
On the same day, the District Voluntary Force (DVF), Kandhamal discovered a Maoist arms dump near Pangurmila village under Baliguda police limits. A large cache of weapons was seized, and further search operations are ongoing.
