Two Maoists were arrested in a joint combing operation at Janbai ghat in the cut-off region of the district on Tuesday. They are Ratan Saha and Purusottam Gonda and were close aides of Maoist leader Madhab alias Golla Ramullu who was killed in an encounter with the security forces near Chhiliba forest under Machhkund police limits on Friday.
On a tip off, a joint team of BSF and SIG rushed to the Janbai ghat and arrested the two Maoists. DSP Pramod Kumar Bagh said besides helping Madhab in his activities, the two were involved in murder of Samiti member Kamululochan Ankum and attack on ESSAR plant in Chitrakonda in 2010.
On Monday, four Maoist militia members surrendered before Malakngiri SP Akhileswar Singh. They were also working as aides of Madhab. Natives of Jodamba village in the cut-off region of Malkangiri, they are Muli Golari (22), Tilsu Khill (31), Damru Khill (30) and Kamlu Badnaik (28). The four were involved in extorting money from contractors, businessmen and Government officials on the direction of Madhab, police said. They were working as members of CPI (Maoist) Kudmulgumma Divisional Committee. Police said more Maoists are likely to surrender as they are feeling unsafe for the ongoing anti-Maoist operation in the region.