In a major step for peace in South Bastar, 71 Maoists surrendered to authorities on Wednesday. Among them, 30 had bounties totaling Rs 64 lakh.

The surrender came under the state government’s programs Lon Varratu (Come Back Home) and Puna Margem (Rehabilitation and Regeneration).

The group included 50 men and 21 women, many of whom were involved in violent activities over the past decade.

The most notable surrender was Baman Madkam, who had an Rs 8 lakh bounty and took part in several encounters from 2011 to 2024. Others included Shamila alias Somli Kawasi (Rs 5 lakh), Gangi alias Rohni Barse (Rs 5 lakh), Deve alias Kavita Madvi (Rs 5 lakh), and Joga Madkam (Rs 2 lakh).

The surrendered Maoists admitted to activities like road digging, tree felling, and spreading propaganda during Naxalite bandh weeks.