15-Year-Old Maoist Cadre Surrenders Before Rourkela Police

Rourkela: A 15-year-old Maoist cadre surrendered before the Rourkela Police, citing disillusionment with extremist ideology and the constant threat to his life, police officials said on Thursday.

The surrendered cadre has been identified as Roya Kalundi alias Ganesh, a native of Kontodya village under Jamda police station limits in West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand. According to police records, Kalundi joined the CPI (Maoist) organisation in 2022 at the age of 12 after being influenced by senior Maoist leaders.

Police said he later operated across the Saranda and Kolhan regions and was involved in several Maoist activities, including arms movement, handling of explosives and reconnaissance operations. He was also linked to multiple Maoist-related cases registered at K. Balang police station and BNDM GRPS, involving offences under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Arms Act and the Explosive Substances Act. A 9mm carbine weapon was seized at the time of his surrender.

Investigations revealed that Kalundi was part of Maoist operations connected to railway track blasting, improvised explosive device (IED) explosions and a Banko looting incident in 2025. He also reportedly assisted Maoist units by gathering intelligence and providing logistical support in forested areas of Odisha and Jharkhand.

Following his surrender, Kalundi has been categorised as a Party Member (PM) and will receive benefits under the Odisha government’s surrender and rehabilitation policy. Officials said he is eligible for financial assistance of up to Rs 1.65 lakh, along with skill development training, a monthly stipend, healthcare coverage and subsidised ration facilities.

In addition, he will be provided housing assistance or a cash equivalent under the Antyodaya housing scheme, and may receive a one-time marriage incentive of Rs 25,000, subject to eligibility.

Police officials said the surrender highlights the impact of sustained anti-Maoist operations and rehabilitation initiatives, which are encouraging cadres to abandon violence and return to the mainstream. Rourkela Police also appealed to other Maoist cadres to surrender and avail themselves of government rehabilitation schemes aimed at promoting peace and development in insurgency-affected regions.