As security forces intensify their operations against Left-Wing Extremism across several states, the pressure on Maoist cadres is becoming increasingly evident. In a significant development for the Odisha Police, a notorious Maoist leader, Bijaya Punem alias Ajay, surrendered to the Superintendent of Police in Rayagada on Tuesday.
Punem was an active member of the Ghumsar Area Committee within the BGN Division of the banned CPI (Maoist). The Odisha government had placed a cash reward of Rs 4 lakh on his head. His surrender represents a notable success in the ongoing efforts to combat Maoist insurgency in the region.
According to a statement from the State Police Headquarters, Bijaya Punem voluntarily surrendered, indicating his disillusionment with Maoist ideology. His decision is expected to have a demoralising effect on the remaining cadres operating in the area.
Upon surrendering, Punem handed over a 9mm pistol, eight rounds of ammunition, and a walkie-talkie communication device.
A native of Batigudem village in the Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh, Punem joined the banned CPI (Maoist) in 2009. After completing his basic training, he became part of the personal security team for senior Maoist leader Modem Balakrishna alias Manoj, a Central Committee Member. He was promoted to the rank of Area Committee Member (ACM) in 2014 and continued to serve as a gunman for Manoj until his transfer to the BGN Division in 2023. Since January 2024, Punem has been active in the Ghumsar region of Odisha.
He is suspected of involvement in several violent incidents across Odisha and Chhattisgarh, including the murder of a civilian in Bandipanga, Kandhamal, in May 2024 and multiple encounters with security forces between 2020 and 2024 in the Kandhamal and Gariyaband districts. Notably, he was involved in the Kodang encounter in July 2021 under Gochapada PS, during which two SOG commandos were injured.
In his statement, Punem cited several reasons for his surrender, including disillusionment with Maoist ideology, harsh treatment from leadership, constant pressure from intensified security operations, and poor living conditions in the dense terrain of Odisha. He also mentioned feeling isolated from his native region, language barriers, and a lack of public support in operational areas as contributing factors.
Authorities noted that Punem will benefit from the Government of Odisha’s comprehensive surrender and rehabilitation policy, which is regarded as one of the best in the country. This policy offers monetary support and assistance with housing, education, and vocational training, facilitating the reintegration of former Maoists into society.
The Odisha Police has consistently succeeded in encouraging Maoist cadres to lay down their arms. From 2006 to 2024, a total of 647 Maoists have surrendered in the state, including 29 in Rayagada district alone. So far, in 2024, 23 Maoists have surrendered across the state.
Police officials have urged remaining Maoist members to renounce violence and join the mainstream by taking advantage of the state’s rehabilitation initiatives.
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