Frustrated,aide of a top Orissa Naxal surrenders

Keonjhar Superintendent of Police Asish Kumar Singh said Sundhi was also involved in the 2009 attack on Simlipal tiger reserve,in which the Maoists blew up three forest range offices and set ablaze two vehicles.

The young Sundhi,considered commander of Similipal squad active in Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar districts,reportedly gave up violence as he was frustrated with the Maoist ways. He realised that the innocent tribals were becoming victims of the Maoists, said Singh.

This is the second surrender in Koenjhar in recent times. Last week,a Maoist couple Mamina Munda (18) of Jambahali village and Mataram Munda (20) of Rebana involved in many incidents of violence in Keonjhars Daitary area had surrendered. They had alleged that women cadre were being tortured by the male Maoists. Drunk male cadre also molested women during their raids in villages in the night,the duo told the police.

Mamina and Mataram got married a few days ago after escaping from their squad. Mamina Munda had joined the rebels in 2007 and worked in the Harichandanpur squad. Male cadres always harassed and exploited the women after consuming liquor. Women are not safe in the camp, Mamina said.

In another development in Sundargarh district on Tuesday,two Maoists were arrested from Bada Raxi-Purunapani forest area under Bonai sub-division. With Sundhis surrender and the arrest of Pandas wife Subhasree this year,the police are now confident of nabbing the most wanted Maoist of the state,involved in over 100 cases. Inspector General of Police (anti-Maoist operations) Sanjib Marik said after a long time,the police are breathing down the necks of Maoists.