In Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district, two female members of the banned CPI Maoist group surrendered to authorities on July 11. Pramila Sukhram Boga, also known as Manjubai (36), and Akhila Sanker Pudo, known as Ratnamala (34), gave up their arms, citing dissatisfaction with the Maoist ideology. Both were part of the Platoon Party Committee of the outlawed outfit.
Pramila, who had been with the naxal organisation for years, faced 40 pending cases across various police stations, including 20 encounters with security forces and two arson incidents. She had a reward of Rs 8 lakhs on her head. Akhila was involved in 7 cases, including murder, and also had a reward of Rs 8 lakhs announced for her capture.
Their surrender brings the total of surrenders in Gadchiroli over the past three years to 21. The district, located in Maharashtra’s eastern corner, has long been a stronghold for Maoists. However, recent advancements by security forces, particularly in the Maad region of neighbouring Chhattisgarh, have made it harder for Maoists to operate freely.
The increased pressure from security forces has led to more surrenders among the cadres who find it difficult to continue their activities. Recently, two other senior female cadres, Bali alias Rambatti alias Zarina Narote and Sasikala alias Chandrakala alias Sunanda alias Manisha Uike, both section commanders of Company no 10 of the group, surrendered on June 27. Bali Narote, who joined the Maoists in 2010, faced 21 cases against her, while Uike, active for thirteen years, had 8 cases pending against her.
Their surrender follows that of Nangsu Turmeti alias Giridhar and his wife, Sangeeta Usendi alias Lalita, who surrendered on June 22 with a combined bounty of Rs 41 lakhs on their heads. Giridhar, with 179 cases against him, was a prominent Maoist leader.
(Featured Image Source: Organiser)
