30 Maoists surrender before Bastar Police, four killed in Bijapur encounter

Around 30 Maoists surrendered before Bastar District Police on January 15.

The surrendered Maoists were residents of Mundagarh, Kaknar, Burgum, Chandela, Mardum and Lohandiguda villages. Five of them carried a reward ranging between USD 1475 and USD 4,427 respectively.

The Maoists were booked for various cases, including murder, shooting at police officials, bomb blasts and vandalising government buildings.

They decided to give up arms after getting affected by the ongoing encounters and the government's rehabilitation policy.

"Around 30 Maoists and Maoist supporters who were part of violent activities have decided to give up militant activities and decided to join the mainstream," said Inspector General of Police, Bastar, S.R.P. Kalluri.

Meanwhile, in Bijapur District, four bodies of Maoists, including a woman, were recovered after a successful security operation against the rebels.

The Maoists were killed in an encounter with personnel of District Reserve Guard (DRG).

The police also recovered country made grenades and other equipments used by Maoists.

"An encounter took place today morning between DRG and Maoists in Peddajojer forest of Gangaloor area. Bodies of four Naxals, including a woman and grenades, have been recovered," said Additional Superintendent of Police, Indira Kalyan Elesela.

The DRG team neutralized six Maoists this week. 303 rifles, Insas rifles and other arms used in Maoist activities were also recovered.

Maoists, also known as 'Naxals' in India, seek the violent overthrow of the Indian state and have fought authorities for decades, particularly in rural areas of central and eastern India where they enjoy some support.

The Maoists say they are fighting for the rights of peasants and landless labourers. They routinely call strikes, attack government property and target politicians and police, mostly across swathes of rural India's east and south.

They have killed police personnel and politicians and targeted government buildings and railway tracks in insurgent acts, killing thousands since the 1960s.