Three Maoists, include two who were carrying rewards on their heads, surrendered before the police in Malkangiri district on Tuesday.
Two Maoists, identified as Sina Madhi alias Dula (24) and Arun Kumar Madhi alias Era (35), were carrying Rs 1 lakh reward each on their heads announced by the State Government. The third one, who surrendered before the Malkangiri SP, was Irma Madkami (20), police sources said.
Briefing reporters, Malkangiri SP Mitrabhanu Mohapatra said the Red rebels decided to give up arms and return to social mainstream when they felt that the Maoists had deviated from their original ideology.
The SP said these Maoists were active in the Kalimela, Padia and other areas. The ultras were involved in many criminal activities including landmine explosions, loot, murder and blasting of Government buildings, he added.
Police sources said the surrendered rebels have accused the Maoists of exploiting poor tribal people instead of working for their welfare.