Bhubaneswar, Dec. 23 -- In a major development in the state's anti-Maoist operations, as many as 22 Maoists surrendered before the Odisha police in Malkangiri district on Tuesday, laying down arms and formally severing ties with the outlawed movement.

The surrender took place during a special programme organised at the Malkangiri district police office in the presence of Director General of Police (DGP) Y.B. Khurania.

According to details shared by the DGP, the surrendered cadres together carried cash rewards amounting to Rs 2 crore 18 lakh 25 thousand, declared earlier by the government.

The group included one Divisional Committee Member (DCM), six Area Committee Members (ACMs), and 15 party members, indicating the surrender of cadres...