Maoist leader G. Jalandhar Reddy, who was involved in the abduction of former Malkangiri collector R. Vineel Krishna in Odisha, surrendered before the police in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday.

Jalandhar Reddy alias Krishna was one of the top leaders of Andhra-Odisha border special zonal committee of the banned CPI (Maoist). Reddy was mainly active in what is now known as the Swabhiman Anchal of Malkangiri district in Odisha.

Vineel was kidnapped by Maoists from this area in 2011. He was released after spending nearly a week in their captivity.

Source said Reddy decided to lay down arms after Malkangiri police assisted by the BSF and its Andhra counterpart stepped up its hunt for rebels.

His decision to join the mainstream might prompt other Maoists to follow suit.