Bhubaneswar: A Maoist commander and six other hardcore Maoists, who were operating in Odisha, surrendered before the police in Bijapur in neighbouring Chhattisgarh.

Ramana Irpa alias Bikesh, the commander of 8th company of Maoists, laid down arms in Bijapur.

He was operating in the Kandhamal Kalahandi Boudh and Nayagarh (KKBN) region of Odisha for last three years. Bikesh was carrying cash reward of Rs 25 lakh in Chhattisgarh and Rs 10 lakh in Odisha on his head.

Bikesh’s wife Rame Kamlu also surrendered before police in Bijapur.

Apart from the couple, hardcore Maoists Hunga Madkam, Paro Sikaka, Lakse Podiami, Dukaru Lekam and Jogi Padiam laid down the arms in the neighbouring states. All these surrendered Maoists are the native of Chhattisgarh.

The Maoists were involved in violence including the killings of civilians in Kandhamal, Rayagada and Kalahandi in Odisha. The seven Maoists were carrying total cash rewards of Rs 89 lakhs in Chhattisgarh and Odisha on their heads.

After surrendering before police, Bikesh has appealed to all the Maoists operating in Odisha to lay down their arms and return to the mainstream.

“I have left the Maoist organization due to the intensive operation by the security forces. Many Maoists in Odisha are facing health issues. They are completely demoralized and want to lay down arms,” Bikesh said.