By IANS,
Bhubaneswar : A Maoist couple, allegedly involved in the murder last year of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Laxmanananda Saraswati in Kandhamal district, has surrendered in Orissa to ensure a better future for their two-and-a-half year old daughter, police said Tuesday.
Ghasiram Majhi alias Akash, 32, and his wife Jharana, 31 – founder members of the Bansadhara division of the banned Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) – surrendered in Rayagada district, 390 km from here, Monday evening.
“There is no doubt that Majhi surrendered because of his love for his wife and to ensure a better life for his baby but several other reasons also contributed to the development,” Rayagada Superintendent of Police A.K. Singh told IANS.
Singh said Akash and Jharana told police that they will not pick up the gun again and will lead a normal life for their daughter’s better future.
“We will rehabilitate their family as per the law. We are investigating if the couple who are involved in more than three to four dozen crimes have also committed any crime in neighbouring states,” Singh said.
The senior leaders of the Bansadhara division were Sabyasachi Panda alias Ajad, P. Rama Rao alias Udaya and Ghasiram alias Akash. While Udaya was arrested by police last month, Ajad is still absconding.
Udaya and Ajad – who were also involved in several crimes – killed VHP leader Saraswati last year that led to widespread communal violence in the state, police said.