Entire Naxal dalam surrenders in Gadchiroli, say police

He added, “This had affected their morale. About 25 days ago, we had held a Jan Jagran Melawa at Kulbhatti village in Dhanora tahsil, where we had called parents and relatives of several Naxals and had appealed to them to persuade their sons and daughters in dalams. Both these things had an effect and all seven members of the dalam surrendered.”

The surrendered cadres are dalam commander Rakesh alias Ganesh Achla, 34, deputy commander Devidas alias Maniram Achla, 25, Reshma alias Jai Kowachi, 19, Akhila alias Radhe Zure, 27, Shiva Potavi, 22, Karuna alias Kumme Madavi, 22 and Rahul alias Damji Pallo, 25.

“This is first time in Gadchiroli’s history that an entire dalam has stopped functioning,” said Balkawade.

The surrendered Naxals together carried a reward of Rs 33.50 lakh.

Of them, Rakesh Achla was involved in 20 encounters, seven murders and two incidents of arson, according to the press note.