Rourkela: In a significant development in the fight against Maoist insurgency, a 15-year-old cadre has surrendered before Rourkela Police in Odisha.
The cadre, identified as Roya Kalundi alias Ganesh, hails from Kontodya village in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district. A 9mm carbine was recovered from Ganesh, who expressed deep disillusionment with the group’s extremist ideology and fear for his life, police informed on Thursday.
According to official records, he joined the Communist Party of India (Maoist) in 2022 at the age of 12, after being recruited by senior leaders. He subsequently operated in Saranda and Kolhan forest regions, transporting arms, handling explosives, and conducting reconnaissance operations.
Police revealed that the teenager was implicated in several cases across Odisha and Jharkhand, including those registered at K Balang police station and BNDM GRPS, involving charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Arms Act, and Explosive Substances Act. Ganesh is believed to have been involved in Maoist-linked incidents this year, including the blasting of railway tracks, IED detonations, and a looting operation in Banko, besides providing intelligence and logistical support in the dense forests spanning the two states.
Under the Odisha government’s surrender and rehabilitation policy, the young cadre will receive financial assistance of up to Rs 1.65 lakh, skill development training, a monthly stipend, healthcare support, and subsidised rations. He is also eligible for housing aid or its cash equivalent through the Antyodaya scheme, as well as a one-time marriage incentive of Rs 25,000 if applicable, DIG (western range) Brijesh Rai and Rourkela SP Nitesh Wadhwani informed.
Police said that this surrender underscores the effectiveness of ongoing anti-Maoist operations combined with attractive rehabilitation programmes, which are prompting more members to abandon violence and integrate into society.
