Maoist leader surrenders in Odisha

Malkangiri (Odisha), Apr 4: A top Maoist leader surrendered before the police in Odisha's Malkangiri district on Wednesday, Apr 4 saying he was disillusioned in the rebel outfit due to discrimination and arbitrary killings.

Sanyasi Pujari (35), area commander of Paplur Maoist Dalam and hailing from Dhuliput village in remote Chitrakonda area of the district, surrendered after spending 11 years in Maoist activities, Malkangiri Superintendent of Police Anirudh Singh said.

Soon after surrendering before the SP, Pujari told reporters that he decided to quit Maoist activities due to illtreatment and discrimination by the ultra leaders, particularly those belonging to other states like Andhra Pradesh.

Moreover, the red rebels have deviated from Maoist ideology and were indulging in indiscriminate violence, killing innocent people without prior verification of facts about them, he said. "I was thoroughly disillusioned. Therefore, I decided to return to the social mainstream," Pujari said. The SP said the Maoist would be provided with benefits in accordance with the government policy laid down for Maoists surrendering and laying down arms. PTI COR SKN KK KK

PTI