In a blow to the Maoists during their ongoing Martyrs’ Week, a Red rebel couple surrounded before the Malkangiri district Superintendent of Police on Sunday.
The couple identified as Mukesh and Ratna decided to shun the path of violence and return to the social mainstream. Both carried a cash reward of Rs 4 lakh and Rs 1 lakh on their heads, respectively.
“Mukesh was a Maoist area committee member while his wife Ratna was a party member. Both have surrendered fearing launching of operation by security forces in view of the recent inauguration of the Gurupriya bridge,” said Malkangiri SP Jagmohan Meena.
Meena also informed that the couple was actively involved in over 40 violent incidents in Malkangiri and nearby areas.
The couple would be provided all assistance as per the State Government’s rehabilitation scheme for surrendered Maoists, he said.
“We decided to return to the mainstream fearing anti-Maoist operations by police after the inauguration of the Gurupriya bridge.
We had joined the rebels for the cause of people. Now, we will continue to work for them remaining in social fold,” said Mukesh.
Mukesh alleged that he got disillusioned by the activities of fellow cadres like Dhananjay Gope, who is a womaniser and assaults people without any reason. Similarly, Ratna also said she did not like the activities of Dhananjay and decided to leave the group.