Maoist accepts West Bengal offered rehab package

KOLKATA - A Maoist has surrendered in West Bengal after the state government announced a rehabilitation package for rebels.

Shobhan Karak, a member of the Maoist action squad, surrendered before the West Midnapore Superintendent of Police, the Jhargram Superintendent of Police and central Reserve Police Force inspector general.

He surrendered with a .303 rifle and a few live cartridges. He has 13 cases of murder and sedition registered against him.

Superintendent of Police, West Medinipur, Manoj Verma hoped the incident would inspire others to surrender.

“Once these Maoists surrender, they would be getting rupees 2000 per month as compensation and a means of subsistence for the subsequent three years,” he said.

Karak recalled how a Maoist leader Sidhu Soren gave him a gun, but added that he had never used it.

He also informed that Maoists used villagers, particularly women and youngsters as shields during their operations. (ANI)