Date:27/01/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/01/27/stories/2008012753130500.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Maoist surrenders before Vizag SP

Staff Reporter

VISAKHAPATNAM: A Maoist chose the Republic Day to surrender to the police. Korra Lodda alias Das, 28, of Nallabilli village of Koyyuru mandal in the district surrendered before Superintendent of Police Akun Sabharwal on Saturday.

Das was a member of the Galikonda Local Guerilla Squad from 2001 and had participated in various offences, including the Koraput district armoury attack in Orissa, murder of Home Guard Subba Rao and in three exchanges of fire.

He cited disillusionment with the Maoist ideology as the reason for his surrender. He said that Maoists were losing support in the agency and were therefore relying on mercenaries to terrorise the locals and into submission.

Call to naxals

Das also participated in the Republic Day celebrations at the Police Barracks.

He expressed his desire to lead a peaceful life henceforth by making use of the rehabilitation package of the Government and educate his two sons K. Arjun (10) and K. Nageswara Rao (4).

He also called upon other Maoists, who had gone underground, to join the mainstream and enjoy the fruits of freedom.