KOLKATA: Three months after dreaded Maoist Kishanji, alias Koteshwar Rao, was gunned down by joint forces at Burishol forests in Jamboni, his close aide and top woman Maoist leader Suchitra Mahato surrendered at Writer’s Building on Friday.
Clad in a printed sari and flanked by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on one side, Mahato, who was with Kishanji during the shoot-out between the rebels and the joint forces, said, “I have returned to mainstream life and I want to lead a normal life. I have come today to surrender.”
Kishanji was killed near Jhargram in West Midnapore on November 24 last year. Mahato is the sixth rebel to have surrendered after the TMC-led Government came to power last year. Mahato had sustained a stomach injury during the gun-battle with Armed Forces and had been absconding ever since. Mahato, who was earlier married to Sasadhar Mahato, surrendered with her new husband Pradush Gharai.Mahato’s treatment will be taken care of by the state government.
“I congratulate them on surrendering and returning to mainstream life... Suchitra had been part of the Maoist movement and used to lead them. The fact that they are returning to peaceful life and for general development of Jangalmahal is a big thing,” said Mamata.