Odisha: Disillusioned by the anti-people activities, Chhattisgarh Maoists surrender in Kandhamal

Disillusioned by the anti-people activities of the Maoists, a cadre named Bija Madvi, alias Tikes of the KKBN Division (Rahul Area Committee), surrendered to Sarthak Sarangi, D.I.G. of Southern Range, and Harish BC, S.P. of Kandhamal, bringing with him a pistol and two rounds of live ammunition. Senior officials from the SOG were also present on this occasion.

Speaking to the media, DIG Sarangi stated, “He was involved in several exchanges of fire in Kandhamal and Boudh districts, which demonstrates his active participation in Maoist activities.”

Bija Madvi is from Manglaguda village, located under the Kistaram police station in Sukma district, Chhattisgarh. He joined the Darbha Division of the Maoist organisation in October 2018 and was active in the western Bastar, Mad, and northern Bastar regions. Later, he moved to Odisha and became involved with the KKBN (Kalahandi-Kandhamal-Boudh-Nuapada) Division.

During his time in the organisation, he served as the bodyguard for the deceased Maoist leader, Dasru. The police had received information that an AK-47 rifle belonging to Dasru was under his control; however, it was later reported that he had sold it to someone else, according to the DIG’s statement.

Additionally, police reports revealed that he was implicated in various Maoist violence incidents in areas such as Sirla, Baibali, Lengerimunda, Kolamapada, Saragadu, Nalikumpa, Dangnamu, Tadikola, Kekerkupa, and Raighar, spanning the Kandhamal and Boudh districts.

After many years in the Maoist organisation, Madvi began to feel insecure within the group due to the physical and mental torture inflicted on lower-level cadres by Maoist leaders, as well as reports of sexual harassment against female Maoists. Moreover, the anti-Maoist operations conducted by Kandhamal and Boudh district police in the interior areas contributed to his sense of insecurity.

Confronted with these adverse conditions and attracted by the government’s rehabilitation benefits for surrendering Maoists, he ultimately decided to give himself up, conveying this intention to the police during his statement.

Police Recover Buried Cache of Maoist Materials

Upon surrendering, he provided information about Maoist supplies stored in a forested area in the Baliguda region of Kandhamal district. Acting on this intelligence, the police conducted a search and uncovered a large cache of Maoist materials buried underground. The items recovered included six gelatin rods, a radio, two electric detonators, a solar panel, 200 kilograms of rice, cooking oil, and various other supplies.

Bija Madvi is set to receive all the benefits promised by the government for the rehabilitation of former Maoists. DIG Sarthak Sarangi also urged the remaining Maoists in Kandhamal district, who continue on the path of violence, to abandon their activities and reintegrate into mainstream society for a better future.

Experts note that the disillusionment of Maoist cadres with the anti-people activities of the Maoists—who incite violence under the guise of championing public interests—is becoming increasingly evident. Furthermore, the operations initiated by the government and administration against red terrorism are visibly impacting the morale of the Maoist cadres.