RANCHI: Two top Maoist women commanders surrendered before zonal IG MS Bhatia on Monday after being subjected to sexual harassment in the outlawed outfit. The women, Yasoda Kumari alias Urmila (20) and Naiti Kumari alias Pramila (19), said that they decided to leave the Maoist group after sexual abuse by male rebels.

According to intelligence reports, women extremists in Maoist groups have led several attacks on police personnel in the past. “Over the years, a number of extremists have surrendered and women comprise a majority of them. Sexual harassment is definitely a major reason why these women leave the Maoists . Almost every female extremist who has surrendered has complained of sexual harassment by their leaders,” said Ranchi DIG Praveen Kumar .

“Urmila, trained in using guns, was the first section commander of Nari Mukti Sangh, a special armed wing for women cadres,” said Ranchi zone IG, MS Bhatia, who handed her a cheque of Rs 50,000 as compensation under Jharkhand’s Naxal Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy.

Urmila told the media that Kundan Pahan, a top Maoist leader, has exploited several women comrades. “He always moves around with 10 to 12 women comrades in his team."

Pramila said: “We were unable to bear the physical and mental torture and decided to surrender. We now want to lead a normal life.” She said several women Maoists are also planning to leave their groups. “Most women cadres suffer sexual exploitation,” she added.

“Maoists do not spare minor girls either. In September, a minor girl had surrendered because of repeated sexual harassment,” Bhatia said. Former Maoist Lalmuni Kumari (name changed) said that she was raped by Pahan, who also threatened to kill her and her mother if she disclosed the incident. She told the media that women comrades feared being shot if they disclosed these incidents.

