A senior Maoist commander Badru alias Sanjay who operated from Bijapur district, along with his wife Sukki Bai, surrendered before Dantewada Superintendent of Police Narendra Khare on Sunday. He carried a cash reward of Rs 50,000 on his head.
According to the sources in police, 26-year-old Sanjay Podiyam, resident of Pusnaar, under Gangalur police station, Bijapur district, had joined the terror outfit Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) as a cadre in 2006. Over the years, he became a member of Malangir and Darbha area committee and was appointed the commander of the Darbha lOS. Sukki joined naxal group Kirandul Dalam soon after and was asked to deliver the duties of a doctor.
The Maoist couple who operated from Bijapur for about seven years was roped in by good behaviour of Dantewada SP and rehabilitation policy of the Government and decided to surrender. The rebel couple’s surrender came just a day before the crucial first phase Assembly polling in 18 seats of Chhattisgarh that include Dantewada and Bijapur.
The couple told the police that they joined the terror outfit because they were misled by the Naxal leaders. They revealed that living conditions in the group were inhuman. They were underfed and overworked. There was so proper arrangement for sleeping and they were harassed by the naxal leaders. They decided to surrender so that they come out of the poor living conditions in the camp, be a part of the nation and mainstream development.
Confirming the surrender of the couple, Khare said that they will be provided all the facilities under the Government’s surrender and rehabilitation policy.