India, Feb. 5 -- Twelve Maoist cadres carrying a collective bounty of Rs.46 lakh surrendered before police in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district on Thursday, officers said.

The cadres, including eight women, belonged to the Maoists' South Sub-Zonal Bureau and laid down arms under the Bastar police's 'Poona Margem' initiative, which focuses on rehabilitation and social reintegration. They surrendered before senior police officials, Superintendent of Police Jitendra Kumar Yadav said.

The police said the cadres were influenced by the state government's surrender and rehabilitation policy.

Among those who surrendered were Somadu Madkam (42), a divisional committee member in charge of the Katekalyan area committee, along with Hungi Kunjam (19)...