Maoist commander Mallesh, woman cadre surrender at BSF camp in Kanker

Raipur: A divisional committee member of the banned CPI (Maoist)'s North Bastar division, Mallesh, and a party member, Ranu Podiam, contacted Kanker police and the Border Security Force on Tuesday late to quit violence and join the mainstream.Police said Mallesh, a DVCM-level cadre, had been an active part of the supply network of the remaining Maoist strength in Kanker district. He surrendered with an AK 47 and other ammunition.The Maoist commander laid down his rifle at a BSF camp in the Chhote Bethiya region, which officials projected as a significant breakthrough in efforts to calm the insurgency-affected belt. Police sources said the Maoist leader, identified as Mallesh, walked into the camp with a group of villagers and expressed willingness to join the mainstream.Kanker SP Nikhil Rakhecha said the formal surrender process, including social reintegration, verification and the official handing over of weapons, will be conducted after documentation and procedural requirements are completed.Based on inputs shared by the duo, officials said efforts are also underway to reach out to other active Maoist cadres in the area and persuade them to come overground.Local social workers, along with two journalists active in the area, played a key role in persuading the cadre to surrender, sources said, calling it an example of "community-driven outreach" complementing security operations.IG (Bastar Range) Sundarraj P reiterated his appeal to Maoist cadres to abandon violence and return to society, saying those who opt for a peaceful and dignified life will be provided assistance under the govt's surrender-and-rehabilitation package.Officials said the govt policy has led to a steady stream of surrenders in the region, claiming that over 2,400 Maoist cadres have joined the mainstream in the last 24 months.Police said further verification is underway and more details, including weapon surrender and entitlements, will be shared once the formal process is completed.