Hardcore Maoist surrenders in R'gada

A hardcore Maoist on Monday surrendered before the Rayagada Superintendent of Police and CRPF DIG here alleging harassment and torture at the hands of fellow Red rebels of Chhattisgarh in the presence of Maoist leader Nikhil on the charge that he was spying for the police.

 Bighna Jagaranga alias Ramesh (22), son of Rupa Jagaranga of Padilipanga under Raskula gram panchayat under Bissamcuttack police station in Rayagada district had joined the Maoist camp in 2009 being motivated by Red leader Uday.

He was a close associate of central committee member Manoj and also worked as PSO to Maoist leader Azad for nine months. Besides, he was a close aide of Sabyasachi Panda, leader of present Odisha Maovadi Party.

Ramesh was involved in different Maoist violent activities like ambulance blasting under the Bramhanigaon police station in Kandhamal district, Chandrapur mobile tower blasting, setting fire to OSRTS buses at Raipanka in Gajapati district and siege of the Chandrapur police station.

The district police authorities said Ramesh would be provided support as per the Government's Maoist surrender package.