Gadchiroli, Feb 3 (PTI) – In a significant blow to Naxalite operations in Maharashtra, two Naxalite couples carrying a cumulative bounty of ₹28 lakh surrendered before security forces in Gadchiroli district on Monday, police officials confirmed.
The surrendered cadres include a divisional committee member (DVCM), an area committee member (ACM), and two platoon members. The surrender took place in the presence of the Maharashtra police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), as per an official release.
Among them, Ashok Sadmek alias Chandrashekhar (63), a high-ranking DVCM, had a bounty of ₹16 lakh on his head. His wife, Vanita Zore (54), an ACM, carried a reward of ₹6 lakh. Authorities revealed that Chandrashekhar was involved in a staggering 82 criminal activities, including 31 armed encounters, 17 cases of arson, and 34 other serious offences. His wife had 11 criminal cases registered against her.
The second couple, Sadhu Mohanda alias Sameer (30), carried a ₹4 lakh bounty, with records linking him to two encounters. His wife, Munni Korsa (25), originally from neighboring Chhattisgarh, had a bounty of ₹2 lakh, the statement added.
Gadchiroli police reported that since 2022, a total of 50 hardcore Maoists have surrendered in the district. This marks the 17th surrender in 2024 alone.
Superintendent of Police, Gadchiroli, Neelotpal, reiterated the government's commitment to rehabilitating surrendered Maoists, ensuring they receive necessary support to reintegrate into mainstream society and adopt democratic values.
This development is seen as a major success in the region’s anti-Naxalite operations, highlighting the ongoing efforts by security forces to curb extremism and encourage insurgents to abandon violence.
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