The duo, identified as Dedy alias Samasan Mallick(25) and his associate Aruan Sonamaji(22) of Kandahamal surrendered before the police superintendent Asish Kumar Singh at Chhatrapur.
Police said Samasan had worked as the personal courier of Panda and informed the police that the outfit's strength had increased from 14 to 27 recently through recruitment of youths.
With surrender of the duo, who hail from Kandhamal district, a total three Maoists have severed their links with Panda's Odisha Maovadi Party while five others were arrested since the November 14 encounter at Bhaliaguda in Gajapati district.
At least five Maoists were killed in the encounter. Panda along with two others have reportedly sustained injuries in the encounter at the tri-junction of Kandhamal-Gajapati- Ganjam district.
Sushila alias Toda alias Sumitra Mallick of Ganjam district had surrendered to the SP on November 16.
Rejecting that five of his men had been killed in the encounter, Panda had in an audio tape released to the media claimed that they were innocent tribals and not Maoists.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app