Raipur, Jan. 23 -- Nine Maoists carrying a total bounty of Rs.47 lakh surrendered in Chhattisgarh along with a cache of weapons and equipment, Odisha Police said on Friday.

Following the surrender, the Nawarangpur district of Odisha has been declared free from Naxal activity.

According to police, the surrendered Maoists included key leaders from the Nagri Area Committee, Sitanadi Area Committee and Mainpur LGS of the Odisha State Committee under the Dhamtari-Gariaband-Nuapada division.

They were active in the Nawarangpur district of Odisha and the Dhamtari district of Chhattisgarh under the Odisha State Committee of CPI (Maoist).

The surrendered cadres handed over two INSAS rifles, two SLR rifles, one carbine, one bharmar gun, magazin...