12 Maoists, including 8 women, surrender

Raipur: At least 12 Maoist cadres carrying Rs 54 lakh bounty — including eight women — surrendered in Bijapur on Wednesday, turning in three automatic weapons, ammunition and a large cache of explosives. Police said the 12 cadres belonged to the South sub-zonal bureau based on their ranks and organisational roles. The surrendered weapons included an AK-47 and SLR rifles along with magazines and cartridges.Among those who laid down arms was Somdu Madkam (42), identified as a DVCM of Darbha division and "Katekyalyan area committee in-charge," carrying an Rs 8 lakh reward, who surrendered with an AK-47 and a magazine, Bijapur SP Jitendra Yadav said. Two other Rs 8 lakh reward cadres — Hungi Kunjam (19), a battalion number 1 party member, and Payki Kunjam (22), a company nujmber 2 party member — were also among the surrendering group.Police said the surrendered list also included Aayti Madkam (24), a PPCM linked to the north sub-zonal bureau carrying an Rs 5 lakh reward, and two ACM-ranked cadres — Chamanlal Kudiyam alias Chhotu (20) of the west Bastar division and Parvati Punem alias Ragho (22) of the Gangaloor area committee — each carrying Rs 5 lakh reward. Another cadre, Sanna Madvi (19), carried a Rs 2 lakh reward and surrendered with an SLR rifle and magazines, police said.The remaining surrendered cadres, mostly PLGA members and party members, carried rewards ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh, with ages in the 18–28 bracket, police said. Along with weapons, police said the group deposited a large explosive cache, including 250 gelatin sticks, 400 detonators, gunpowder stored in a plastic drum, and a bundle of cordex wire.