Bhubaneswar, February 6: Nikhil alias Niranjan Raut, a prominent Maoist leader, along with his wife Indu alias Ankita, surrendered before the Rayagada police, marking a significant success for the state's security forces. A total of 15 Maoists, including seven women, laid down their arms, underscoring the growing impact of government rehabilitation efforts.

Director General of Police Y.B. Khurania confirmed the surrender during a press briefing in Bhubaneswar. He described the development as a major success in the state’s ongoing efforts to weaken Maoist influence and encourage rehabilitation.

The Maoist couple had recently presented four demands to the government as conditions for their surrender, although details remain undisclosed. Security officials credited the state's rehabilitation policy and sustained dialogue for persuading them to rejoin the mainstream.

Nikhil’s surrender is seen as a major blow to Maoist activities in southern Odisha, particularly in Rayagada, and is expected to disrupt local Maoist networks and encourage more rebels to abandon violence.