Fifteen Maoists, together carrying rewards totalling Rs 48 lakh, surrendered before security forces in Sukma district of Bastar division on Monday, marking yet another major setback for the outlawed CPI (Maoist) in south Chhattisgarh. There were five women among those surrendered. Sukma SP Kiran Chavan said the group includes four hardcore Maoists. Officials said the surrender reflects growing disillusionment within the Maoist ranks, especially among those deployed in high-risk combat roles.
