Ten hardcore Maoists carrying a collective bounty of Rs 2.36 crore have surrendered in Madhya Pradesh’s Balaghat district, prompting Chief Minister Mohan Yadav to declare Dindori and Mandla completely free from the Maoists’ influence.

The Maoists, including four women, laid down their modern weapons, including AK-47 and INSAS rifles, in front of Yadav on Sunday. They were part of the ‘Bhorsadev area committee’ of the outlawed Communist Party of India (Maoist), officials said.