Bhubaneswar, Feb. 4 -- A hardcore Maoist carrying a reward of Rs 21 lakh surrendered before the Superintendent of Police, Malkangiri, on Wednesday, marking a significant breakthrough in ongoing anti-Maoist operations in the region.

The surrendered Maoist has been identified as Sukram alias Suresh, an Area Committee Member (ACM) who was active across Odisha and Chhattisgarh. Police said he had been involved in Maoist activities for nearly 16 years and was linked to several serious offences.

According to police officials, Sukram was involved in IED explosions, abduction of civilians and multiple killings in Maoist-affected areas. His surrender is seen as a major setback for left-wing extremist groups operating in the region.

During the s...