Gadchiroli (Maharashtra), Oct 10 (IANS): In what is described as a big blow to the Maoist movement, a dreaded Maoist couple -- both commanders -- surrendered before the district police this week, an official said here on Saturday.

Maharu Raju Mudyami alias Sukku (32), commander of Platoon 18, and his wife Jhuru Pusu Mattami (29), the deputy commander of Bhamragad Dalam, carried a reward of Rs.12 lakh and Rs.6 lakh on their heads respectively for a series of crimes, killings, including gunning down of several police personnel in the last few years.

Active for the last 15 years, Mudyami has been involved in several killings including those of at least three policemen, while his wife, a Maoist since the age of 15, is also accused of several crimes and killings in and around Gadchiroli.

It is the first major achievement of police after the surrender of two commanders -- the husband-wife team of Dugga and Gopi -- a few months ago, as part of the state government policy to reform and bring Maoists into the national and social mainstream, the official said.

The newly surrendered couple would be entitled to cash compensation besides security and rehabilitation as per official norms.

The district police also appealed to other Maoist youths to return to the mainstream by contacting the local officials and shun violence by adopting the path of peace.