Rourkela: An 18-year-old Maoist cadre from West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand surrendered before Rourkela police on Tuesday, officials said.The surrender was announced at a media conference at the district police office, addressed by DIG (western range) Brijesh Kumar Rai and Rourkela SP Nitesh Wadhwani. The surrendered cadre, identified as Prabhu (18), is a resident of Halamuli village under Chhotanagra police station limits in West Singhbhum district.Police said Halamuli village, located inside the Saranda reserve forest, is considered a strategic location used by Maoist cadres for arranging groceries and logistical support. Prabhu initially worked as a militia member, assisting with supply arrangements and keeping watch during Maoist operations.
In 2024, a Maoist cadre, identified as Birsa, allegedly recruited him as a local guerrilla squad member. Prabhu remained associated with the outfit for about two years and was attached to the south Chhotanagra division, police said.Officials said the cadre decided to quit the outfit after getting disillusioned with Maoist ideology and citing physical and mental harassment by senior leaders, along with pressure from frequent security force operations. Influenced by Odisha govt’s surrender and rehabilitation policy, he chose to return to the mainstream and surrendered before Odisha police, they added.Under the state’s surrender-cum-rehabilitation policy, Prabhu, who falls under Category B, would be entitled to financial assistance of up to Rs 2.65 lakh, besides other benefits, police said.“He has surrendered to join the mainstream and will be provided all assistance as per the Odisha govt’s surrender policy,” DIG Rai said.
