Malkangiri, Dec 23: Twenty-two Maoists surrendered to the police near Malkangiri, handing over 9 guns, 14 tiffin bombs, ammunition, explosives, and other materials. The surrender took place in the presence of Police DG YB Khurania, DIG Kanwar Vishal Singh, Malkangiri District Collector Somesh Upadhyay, SP Binod Patil, and other senior officials.

The police have urged other Maoist members to give up violence and surrender, promising government assistance and rehabilitation for those who do.

The surrendered Maoists had rewards exceeding ₹2.25 crore. Among them, two were members of the Andhra-Odisha border zonal committee, while 20 belonged to the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee. Notorious Maoist leader DCM Linge was also part of the group, which has been involved in multiple violent incidents in the past.