Top Maoist Sujatakka Surrenders Before Telangana Police

In a significant development, a most-wanted Maoist and Central Committee member Pothu Kalpana alias Sujatakka today surrendered before the Telangana police.

Hailing from Gadwal district, Sujatakka was the only woman leader in the Maoist party's central committee. She is the widow of top Maoist leader Kishanji, who was killed in an encounter in West Bengal in 2011.

Until recently, Sujatha had been serving as the in-charge of the South Sub-Zonal Bureau in Chhattisgarh. She faces charges in 106 cases and carries a reward of Rs 1 crore on her head.

Disclosing details of her surrender, Director General of Police Jitender said that Sujatakka, a native of Penchikalapadu in Gattu mandal, Gadwal district, began her Maoist journey with the Radical Students Union (RSU) and Jana Natya Mandali. In 1996 she rose to the rank of commander, and by 2001 became a State committee member. She left the Maoist party recently citing health reasons.

"We will provide her a reward of Rs 25 lakh. We invite Maoists to join the mainstream public life. Many have already started surrendering," the DGP said.

He added, "At present, 78 people from Telangana remain in the Maoist party. Out of the 15 Central Committee members, 10 are from Telangana. The Telangana Maoist committee includes 11 members from Telangana and 62 from other States, totaling 73 members. 10 Maoists have been killed in encounters so far this year, while 22 were killed last year."

Referring to Operation Kagar, Jitender said that Maoists were now showing interest in talks as a way to shield themselves.