Hardcore Maoist surrenders in Odisha

NABARANGPUR: A hardcore woman Maoist surrendered before police in Odisha's Nabarangpur district, police said today

An active Area Committee Member of Goraband Dalam of the Maoists, Sivabati Markami known as Sandhya, surrendered before the police here yesterday saying she was disillusioned with the exploitation and harassment in the rebel outfit, Superintendent of Police Brajesh Rai said.

Sandhya belongs to Bhutenga village under Gariaband district in neighbouring Chhattishgarh and Odisha Government had declared Rupees One lakh on her head, police said.

Rai said Sandhya was present during a Maoist operation in which Rohit Gond, a ward member, under Kundei police station was murdered in September, 2012.

She had also participated in an operation by the ultras in 2013 in which an Assistant Commandant of CRPF was killed at Khalari village in Dhamtari District of Chhattisgarh, police said.

Sandhya was also present when the police made an encounter at Jollarao near Hatigam in August 2012, they said.

Sandhya told the police that she was fed up because of exploitation and harassment by Maoists. She said Maoist leaders fled leaving her alone when Nabarangpur Police raided a jungle under Raighar police station in March 2014.