In a massive setback to left-wing extremism, seven high-ranking Maoists, each carrying a INR 10 lakh bounty, surrendered to the Rourkela-Chaibasa police under Operation Navjeevan-III.
The surrendered rebels include Zonal Committee member Saluka Kayam alias Bhubaneswar, Marur alias Dangil, Vikram alias Tubui, Jayaram, Pinki, Kodo Muni alias Padmini, and Anita. These operatives had long terrorized the border regions of Odisha and Jharkhand.
Security forces also recovered a massive cache of weapons, including AK-47 and INSAS rifles, along with 2,276 rounds of ammunition.
Addressing a press conference in Chaibasa, Kolhan Division DIG Anuranjan Kispotta announced that this unprecedented success has rendered the West Singhbhum district completely free from Naxalite influence. The surrender marks a monumental turning point for internal security in the region, reflecting the growing effectiveness of ongoing anti-insurgency operations.