MALKANGIRI:Facing opposition to their relationship from senior rebel leaders and unable to bear the heat of intensified operations by the security personnel after the opening of Gurupriya bridge, a Maoist couple, both carrying a reward of Rs 5 lakh on their heads, surrendered on Sunday before SP Jagmohan Meena at the district police office here.
The Maoists, identified as Waga Urmami alias Mukesh and his wife Mude Madhi alias Ratna, said they decided to shun the path of violence and return to the mainstream after being disillusioned by the mindless killings by the Maoists and the atrocity of senior leaders.
They got disillusioned due to the activities of fellow party leaders like Sudheer alias Dhanajaya Gope, whom they termed a womaniser. “The morale of CPI (Maoist) cadres is low after opening of Gurupriya bridge which has led to the security personnel intensifying operations against the rebels”, Meena said.
A native of Marigeta village under Kalimela police limits, Mukesh was working as an Area Committee Member with Andhra-Odisha Border (AOB) military platoon under Malkangiri-Koraput-Visakhapatnam Border (MKVB) division. Carrying a cash award of `4 lakh on his head, Mukesh had joined the outfit in 2008 and was working as ACM in Swabhiman Anchala, the erstwhile cut-off region. He was involved in at least 25 crimes, including killing of nine persons, and 11 incidents of exchange of fire with security personnel, the SP added.
On the other hand, Ratna is a native of Silakota village under Podia police limits and was working as a party member with AOB military platoon in Swabhiman Anchala. She carried a cash reward of `1 lakh on her head and was involved in at least 15 cases, including eight murders.
The Maoist couple will be given all benefits under the surrender and rehabilitation scheme of the State Government. “Realising that they have no future in the outfit, the couple decided to join the mainstream”, the SP said.