Nikhil’s parents feared for his life before surrender
Top Maoist leader Niranjan Rout, alias Nikhil, and his wife Rasmita Lenka surrendered to police in Rayagada, fulfilling his parents' pleas. The couple, carrying a combined bounty of Rs 1.1 crore, is considered a significant blow to the Maoist movement in southern Odisha. Their decision to join the mainstream brought immense relief and joy to their impoverished farming family.