Bhubaneswar, May 27: In a major boost to anti-Maoist efforts in Odisha, a senior Maoist leader, Bijay Punem alias Ajay, from the Bansadhara-Ghumusar-Nagavali (BGN) Division, surrendered before the Rayagada Superintendent of Police today.

Punem, a native of Husur under Bijapur district in Chhattisgarh, was a member of the Ghumsar Area Committee of the CPI (Maoist) and had a reward of ₹4 lakh on his head. He surrendered with a pistol and eight live rounds, marking a significant setback for the insurgent outfit.

Punem joined the Maoist movement in 2009 and initially served as a personal security guard to senior leader Modem Balakrishna alias Manoj. Promoted to Area Commander Member (ACM) in 2014, he later took charge of the Ghumsar Area Committee in Odisha in 2024.

Citing mental stress, scarcity of food and water, and increasing pressure from intensified security operations, Punem said he became disillusioned with the Maoist ideology. Language issues and internal differences further deepened his frustration.

The Odisha government's Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy played a key role in his decision. The policy offers financial aid, housing, education, and vocational training to help former Maoists reintegrate into society.

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