Koraput Declared Naxal-Free as Maoist Cadre Mamata Podiami Surrenders
Koraput district has been officially declared free of Maoist presence after the surrender of 26-year-old Maoist cadre Mamata Podiami, also known as Mamita or Soni.
A member of the CPI (Maoist) with the rank of Area Committee Member (ACM), Mamata laid down her arms before the Koraput Police, marking a significant step in Odisha’s fight against left-wing extremism.
During her surrender, Mamata handed over a 7.62 mm SLR rifle, a magazine, and 10 rounds of ammunition.
She was previously associated with the Andhra-Odisha Border (AOB) Military Platoon and faced multiple charges under the IPC, Arms Act, Explosives Act, and UAPA.
Authorities said her decision was influenced by continuous appeals from Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and senior police officials, sustained pressure from security forces, disillusionment with Maoist ideology, and the Odisha government’s new surrender-cum-rehabilitation policy.
Under the policy, Mamata will receive Rs 5.5 lakh for her rank, Rs 1.65 lakh for surrendering the firearm, housing under the Antyodaya Gruha Yojana, marriage incentives, skill training with a stipend, health coverage, and subsidised ration.
She has already been provided interim relief of Rs 50,000.
Director General of Police (DGP) Arun Kumar Sarangi hailed the surrender as a turning point, urging remaining cadres to abandon violence and join the mainstream.
With this development, Koraput has been declared free of Maoist activity, strengthening Odisha’s position in curbing extremism.
