17-Year-Old Maoist Surrenders to Odisha Police, Receives Rehabilitation Aid

A 17-year-old Maoist from Chhattisgarh, who carried a bounty of Rs 2 lakh on his head, surrendered to Odisha Police in Malkangiri. Influenced by government appeals, he will be rehabilitated under the Surrender and Rehabilitation Scheme, receiving monetary aid and training for a new start.

A 17-year-old Maoist, carrying a bounty of Rs 2 lakh on his head, surrendered to the police in Odisha's Malkangiri district on Wednesday.

The youth, from Sukma district in Chhattisgarh, joined the banned CPI(Maoist) last year, according to Malkangiri Superintendent of Police Nitesh Wadhani.

"He was involved in five major attacks in recent times," Wadhwani stated. "He was influenced by appeals from Odisha and India's governments to join the mainstream."

The state government had announced a cash reward of Rs 2 lakh on his surrender, as stated by the SP.

The police note highlighted that the surrendered Maoist will be rehabilitated under the Surrender and Rehabilitation Scheme of the Government of Odisha, including financial aid for building a house, further studies, and vocational training.

The Odisha Police urged other active Maoist cadres to join the mainstream and contribute to the state and nation's development process.

(With inputs from agencies.)