According to police sources, 12 Naxalites operating in Gadchiroli district have surrendered since the announcement on demonetization, raising the total number of Naxalites who have surrendered this year in Maharashtra to 45.
With demonetization dealing a crippling blow to their finances, Naxalites have begun surrendering in large numbers in the state. From November 8 till date, at least 12 Naxalites including a Deputy Commander of a dalam have surrendered to the Maharashtra Police.
The police claim that the sudden surge in surrenders by Naxalites is due to a resource crunch faced by them post-demonetization. Naxalites, who are short of money, are opting to surrender as they are entitled to handsome compensation and rehabilitation under the surrender policy of the government.
According to police sources, 12 Naxalites operating in Gadchiroli district have surrendered since the announcement on demonetization, raising the total number of Naxalites who have surrendered this year in Maharashtra to 45.
A senior officer dealing with anti-Naxal operations in the state told DNA that on an average, around four Naxalites surrender in a month in the state. However, in a span of less than a month, 12 Naxalites have surrendered after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement on demonetization.
"On analysing the reason for this spurt in surrenders, it was learnt that Naxalites were badly hit by ban on high denomination notes. With their existing cash resources wiped out, cadres were left with no money, forcing them to surrender in the hope of getting money under the government's surrender and rehabilitation policy," the officer said.
He added, for Naxalites, in the current scenario, surrendering is the best option. "If a Naxalite continues to operate in jungles, then he will have to stay away from his family, and the fear of being killed during exchange of fire with the police is constantly there. On the other hand, if they surrender, they won't be killed in encounters and they will get compensation under the surrender policy. They will be rehabilitated by the government and they can get an opportunity to live with their families and lead an independent life," he said.
"Most importantly, Naxalites who have been involved in non-serious crimes will be let off from the cases against them if they surrender. In case of those who have been involved in serious offences, their case would be studied by a committee comprising an Inspector General, a Superintendent of Police, Collector and a local judge. They will check the gravity of the case, and if the offence is very serious in nature, a chargesheet will be filed and a quick trial will take place so that a decision is taken quickly. Such Naxalites too will get compensation," the officer said.
Under the rehabilitation policy, a commander of a dalam gets around Rs 8 lakh, a deputy commander Rs 6 lakh and a member of the dalam Rs 3 lakh, the police said.
In order to rehabilitate those surrendering, the police have set up a 'Surrender Colony' in Gadchiroli. "Over 40 persons are currently residing there, under heavy protection. They are also given small time jobs to earn a livelihood. Efforts are being taken to integrate them into the mainstream. Some are scared of going back to their villages fearing reprisal from their dalams," said the officer.
"With a month to go for the year to end, more surrenders are expected," Additional Director General of Police, Special Operations, Bipin Bihari told DNA.
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