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A former Maoist who broke law with impunity is now its sworn protector in Orissa's Naxal-infested Sundergarh district.
Meet Kanduri Lohar alias Madhuri of Bandamunda village who gave up her green Maoist uniform four years ago to don the khaki. But it was not a smooth transition.
Although she surrendered four years ago on the promise of a job and a homestead, she got the police job only a few days ago.
Seen controlling the crowd at a Ganesh puja pandal in her father-in-law's village on Sunday, Madhuri said she would not like to remember the past.
"Past is past. I will rather not keep that in mind. I am happy at starting my life all over again," she insisted.
Inspector-in-charge, Bandamunda police station, A K Swain says Madhuri is the first Maoist-turned policewoman in the district and hoped her new avatar would inspire other red rebels to follow her example. Superintendent of Police, Rourkela, said, "Madhuri has became the torch-bearer for other disgruntled girls and youths who have strayed from the mainstream."
After laying down her arms, Madhuri was persuaded by the then Sundergarh SP, Yaswant Jethwa, to begin a new life.
Two weeks after her surrender, the police solemnized her marriage with her finance Shankar Lohar.
But after being allegedly tortured by her husband and in-laws, Madhuri along with her son had recently returned to her parents' home in Sagjhar village where she was living in extreme poverty.
Apart from providing her the job, the Sundergarh district administration has provided her land under the Indira Awas Yojana to build a home, an official source said. Now she has been welcomed back by her husband and in-laws.