Phulbani: In a significant development, three Maoists, including two women, surrendered before security forces in Odisha’s Kandhamal district, reportedly frustrated by the intensified anti-Maoist operations in the region.

Southern Range IG Niti Sekhar identified the surrendered Maoists as Maade Beti alias Champa, Raju Dodi alias Ajaya, and Adamo Madhavi alias Manju. All three belonged to the Chhattisgarh cadre and were active in the Kalahandi, Kandhamal, and Boudh districts of Odisha.

The trio was allegedly involved in several anti-development and extremist activities in the region, the IG stated.

The three Maoists were frustrated by the continuous unethical activities in Maoist organization like sexual harassment of female cadre, extortion of funds through intimidation and induction of young boys and girls in the organization by false promise and propaganda.

As per the rehabilitation policies of both the Central and State Governments, the surrendered Maoists will be provided support and reintegrated into society, Sekhar added.

This development comes shortly after two Maoists were killed in an exchange of fire with security forces in the Baliguda area.

“The Maoist presence in the region is weakening due to consistent anti-Maoist operations,” Sekhar said, noting their numbers in Kandhamal, Boudh, and Kalahandi districts have now dwindled to around 50.