A hardcore Naxalite couple involved in several deadly attacks and carrying a reward of Rs 8 lakhs each on their heads on Tuesday surrendered to security forces in Sukma district in Chhattisgarh.
Salwam Mutta alias Sukku and his wife Salwam Gangi said they were disappointed with the Maoist ideology, Sukma Superintendent of Police Sunil Sharma said.
Salwam was the South Bastar Battalion Number 1 and Platoon Number 1 Deputy Commander and Section A Commander of the outlawed Maoist movement. His wife was a member of the same squad, the officer said.
The husband and wife carried rewards of Rs 8 lakhs each on their heads, Sharma said.
Salwam was involved in 14 attacks including the Tadmetla ambush in 2010 in which 76 security men were killed, the Burkapal Maoist ambush in 2017 in which 25 security personnel were killed and the Tekalguda attack in 2021 in which 22 security personnel died, the Kasalpaad attack wherein 14 were killed, the Bhejji-Kottacheru ambush in which 12 security personnel died and a Maoist attack in which 10 security personnel were killed in Minpa in 2009, the officer said.
Salwam was active for 16 years and his wife for 10 years in Bastar division. They were given Rs 10,000 each after the surrender and will be rehabilitated as per the Chhattisgarh government’s policy.