Nagpur: Dreaded Maoist Tara Kulmethe, charged with multiple murders and armed encounters with authorities, surrendered before the Gadchiroli police on Monday under their Naxal Week initiative. Kulmethe, who carried a reward of Rs2 lakh on her head, will now receive Rs4.5 lakh under the central govt’s surrender and rehabilitation scheme.
Tara, a resident of Nainer village in Aheri taluka of Gadchiroli, joined the Maoist group in 2016 and worked in the Aheri and Bhamragadh Local Operating Squads (LOS). Over her tenure, she was involved in eight armed encounters between 2016 and 2023 across forest areas in Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh. Her charges include three murders of innocent civilians and a dacoity in 2022.
Kulmethe’s surrender comes after her growing disillusionment with the Maoist ideology. Kulmethe, stated to the cops that she was frustrated with the violent tactics of the organisation, particularly against civilians. She also cited key grievances with senior Maoist leadership, including neglect of medical issues, discrimination against women, and misuse of funds meant for public welfare. Tara revealed that poor tribal youth were exploited for the benefit of Maoist leaders and that suspected police informants among the tribals were executed without evidence.
Tara disclosed that during armed encounters, male Maoists frequently abandoned their female counterparts, leaving them vulnerable to injuries or even death.
