Hardcore Naxalite surrenders before Chhattisgarh police

A hardcore Naxalite surrendered before police in Kanker district in Chhattisgarh today, police said.

Kanker district SP Rahul Bhagat told PTI that an active member of Platoon 25 and commander of Raoghat area action team Rajesh Potai today surrendered before police. He also handed over weapons including a 315-bore rifle, 50 live cartridges, one SLR, a magazine and live 18 rounds to police.

During the interrogation, Potai told police that he was forced to join the movement in 2007 by Bhairamgarh area LOS commander Santosh. He said that he was threatened by the Maoists that if he did not join work with them, they would kill his parents.

Potai worked with the Naxalites for the past four years. Impressed with his work, Potai was appointed as a commander of Raoghat area action committee.

Potai however objected to Maoist action against villagers.

Three months back, he had ran away from the Maoist group and tried to lead a peaceful life in a village. However, before he could surrender, Maoists captured him and took him back to their hideouts.

However, Potai managed to escape from the group and surrendered before the police today.