Bhubaneswar, Feb. 5 -- Koraput district in Odisha was declared free of Maoist presence following the surrender of a cadre-level Maoist before the local police on Thursday, officials said.

South Western Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Kanwar Vishal Singh announced that Koraput is now Maoist-free after the surrender of Mamata Podiyami, described by the police as a notorious Maoist.

Mamata Podiyami surrendered before Koraput police in the presence of South Western Range DIG Kanwar Vishal Singh, Koraput Superintendent of Police Rohit Verma and other senior officials.

During the surrender, she handed over an SLR rifle, a magazine and 10 rounds of ammunition. Police also recovered a few bullets and other Maoist-related items f...