Lakhan, once a Maoist gunman, now works as a bike mechanic in Odisha’s Kandhamal. Karuna, a former forest survivor and Maoist, greets visitors at an urban park. Both left the banned CPI (Maoist) group. Odisha, battling Naxalism, increased surrender rewards last November. Central committee members can earn up to ₹1.10 crore; state committee members up to ₹55 lakh, 10% more than neighbouring Chhattisgarh. About 80 Maoists remain active in Odisha, mostly from Chhattisgarh. Surrender requires revealing comrades and supply chains. Police call surrendered cadres “assets” for valuable intelligence. Many, like Champa and Ajay, wounded or arrested, have provided crucial info. Since 2008, over 1,300 ultras were arrested, but only 625 surrendered. The Odisha police maintain a secret book tracking Maoists. Security forces rely on interrogation reports and seized items to map the group. Home Minister Amit Shah says operations aim to end Maoism by March 2026. Some surrendered Maoists marry, work regular jobs, and settle peacefully. Adapting is tough; ex-cadres face new challenges in civilian life and constant police watch. High-level Maoist leaders are few and well-guarded, but recruitment has stalled, especially in Odisha. Police say the group may collapse soon due to leadership loss. Camps move often, use solar power, and avoid digital risks. With strong security presence, village support for Maoists fades. Kandhamal police urge cadres to surrender, promising care and rehabilitation. This steady exit signals a slow but certain decline of Naxalism in Odisha.