RAIPUR: Sukma police in south Chhattisgarh have released a "cash reward on offer", for anyone giving information about Maoists leaders now on social media following the deadly ambush at Burkapal that killed 25 CRPF jawans and injured eight others. Such a move by the Bastar police seeking people's support or spreading information was earlier restricted in and around the base camps and police stations.
“We have now released such posters and information on social media like Whatsapp to create greater awareness among the masses and seek their support. It was already there earlier but confined to police stations or base camps. Anyone cooperating with the police will be rewarded with cash as announced by the Chhattisgarh government,” Sukma additional superintendent of police Jitendra Shukla told the New Indian Express.
The cash awards ranging from Rs one lakh to Rs 50 lakhs to anyone who gets hold of the Maoist leaders -- living or dead -- or assist police in arresting the rebels will be rewarded accordingly depending on the rank of the Maoist leaders.
The posters cite the names, images and details of the Maoist leaders. “May be some of them led the attack on the CRPF personnel engaged as Road Opening Party (ROP),” Shukla said. The police have pledged to keep the names of informers strictly confidential.
The total amount offered for any clues or information ranges from minimum of Rs one lakh for the lowest rung of Maoist leaders like jan militia commander, to Rs 25 lakh for State military commander chief or State committee member. The State has categorised around 55 different levels under this.
The poster issued by the Sukma district police has mobile phone numbers of police officials, from Bastar inspector general of police to the police chowki incharge.
The Chhattisgarh government in 2014 has hiked rewards on offer from the then existing Rs 7 lakhs to Rs 50 lakhs for the polit bureau members of CPI (Maoist). Anyone giving information leading to the arrest of members of the central committee, dandakaranya special zonal committee, secretary of special areas committee and special zonal committee would be getting Rs 40 lakhs, police said.