Gadchiroli (Maharashtra): Five top Maoists, including two women, collectively carrying Rs 24 lakh reward on their heads, have surrendered before the Maharashtra security forces, officials said here on Wednesday.
The Maoists were identified as: Saini alias Mirgu Zuru Velda, 36 with a reward of Rs 12 lakh, Arjun Naresh B. Poya, 25, and Vinu alias Bijavu Sunder Kovachi, 22, both carrying rewards of Rs 2 lakh each.
The two women Moaists who laid down arms are: Roopi alias Zuri Kaandi Narote, 36 with a reward of Rs 6 lakh on her head and Chhaya alias Raje Devu Kulyeti, 23 with a Rs 2 lakh reward.
Incidentally, Velda and Narote and Poya and Kulyeti are married couples, said an official spokesperson.
The security forces have termed the development as "a major boost" in the ongoing anti-Maoist war in the Vidarbha region of eastern Maharashtra.
In the current year 2017-2018, so far 27 most wanted Maoists have surrendered, including area committee members, company members and commanders at various levels, dealing a severe blow the rebel activities in the region.
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Raipur (PTI): Amid reports of shortage of commercial LPG cylinder in several parts of the country due to the US-Israel-Iran conflict, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Tuesday assured people that they need not worry about the availability of cooking gas in the state.
He asserted that adequate stock of LPG as well as petrol and diesel was available in the state.
Sai said in a statement that authorities have been directed to regularly monitor stock at gas agencies and keep a close watch on the supply chain. Necessary instructions were issued to officials in all districts to ensure a smooth supply of LPG.
The chief minister instructed officials to take strict action if any complaint of black marketing or hoarding of LPG cylinders is received.
Sai urged state residents not to pay attention to rumours and to book cooking gas cylinders as per their actual requirement.
The government was fully alert to ensure the availability of essential commodities to citizens, he emphasised.
Meanwhile, the Chhattisgarh Hotel and Restaurant Association has issued an advisory to hotels, restaurants, caterers and other food businesses across the state, urging them to maintain calm and avoid panic buying.
In the advisory, Taranjeet Singh Hora, president of the association, asked members to maintain coordination and immediately inform it about any major disruption in LPG supply.
He cautioned businesses against hoarding cylinders, saying such practices could worsen the situation for the entire hospitality sector.
The association advised hotels and restaurants to prioritise essential kitchen operations, core menu items and already committed banquet events.
Use electric cooking equipment wherever possible for emergency and staff kitchens such as induction cooktops, electric hot plates, electric rice cookers and kettles, the advisory stated.
