India, March 31 -- As many as 44 Maoist cadres surrendered across the Bastar region in four districts on Tuesday, police said.

Authorities reiterated their appeal to the remaining Maoist cadres to abandon violence and join the mainstream, noting the limited window to avail rehabilitation benefits as the Union government's deadline to eliminate left wing extremism (LWE) ends on Tuesday.

In Bijapur, 25 Maoists, including 12 women, laid down arms under the 'Puna Margem (new way) - Rehabilitation to Renewal' initiative. The cadres, linked to the Dandakaranya special zonal committee (DKSZC), carried a cumulative bounty of Rs.1.47 crore. Authorities reported the recovery of assets worth Rs.14.06 crore, including Rs.2.90 crore in cash and 7.20...