Seven naxals surrender in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district

Seven naxals including three women, carrying reward of Rs 33.50 lakh on their heads collectively, surrendered before Gadchiroli police in eastern Maharashtra on Wednesday, an official said.

The surrendered rebels were identified as Rakesh alias Ganesh Sanaku Aachla (34), Devidas alias Maniram Aachla (19), Akhila alias Radhe Ure (27), Shiva Potavi (22), Karuna alias Kumme Ramsing Madavi (22), Rahul alias Damji Pallo (25) and Reshma Kovachi (19).

Rakesh Aachla was commander of Chatgaon 'dalam' (fighting squad) of the naxals whereas Devidas was his deputy, the police official added.

The surrendered naxals were involved in encounters with police, incidents of arson and murders, he said.

They were fed up with naxalism, and disapproved of, among other things, abduction of minor girls and their forcible recruitment in dalams, he said.

At least 23 naxals have surrendered before Gadchiroli police this year so far, including three divisional committee members, a dalam commander and a deputy commander.

At least 21 naxals have been arrested during the year, the official added.