Disillusioned with Maoist Ideology, ₹8 Lakh Bounty Cadre Surrenders

Gariaband: Influenced by the state government’s Naxal surrender and rehabilitation policy as well as the better lives of her surrendered comrades, Janasi alias Vachela Matami, secretary of the Nagri Area Committee and a woman Maoist carrying a reward of ₹8 lakh, surrendered before Gariaband police.

According to information, Janasi, a resident of Kondawahi village under Gatta police station in Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra, joined the Maoist organization in 2005. Initially working as a member of the Jan Militia, she was recruited into the group in February 2006 by Chatgaon LOS commander Ranita. Over the years, she rose through the ranks, eventually holding positions in the Nagri Area Committee as ACM, Deputy Commander, Commander, and finally Secretary.

During her Maoist career, she was involved in preparing posters, pamphlets, and banners, and also participated in several important meetings. In 2011, she married DVCM Satyam Gawde and later became active in the Mainpur Division. Since July 2022, she had been serving as Secretary of the Nagri Area Committee.

During her surrender, Vachela Matami admitted that the Maoist ideology has now become completely hollow. She said the group has been killing innocent villagers on suspicion of being police informers, obstructing development work, coercing youths into joining the movement, extorting money from contractors, and exploiting lower-level cadres—all of which disillusioned her.

She further stated that several of her comrades have already surrendered and are now living a dignified life under the government’s rehabilitation policy. Local awareness campaigns and posters about the surrender scheme also motivated her to leave the organization. After the death of her husband Satyam Gawde in an encounter, she became mentally distressed and finally decided to surrender to live a better life with her family.

Sukma police played a crucial role in facilitating her surrender. Under the government’s rehabilitation scheme, she will now be provided with reward money, healthcare facilities, housing, and employment opportunities.