Bhubaneswar, July 12 - It was a sweet surrender for Kandiri Lohar of Orissa four years ago. Away from the life of a Maoist rebel, towards marital bliss, a job, land and a life of respectability. Then the dream evaporated and all that was left was domestic violence and official assurances.

Having been a Maoist for a year, Kandiri decided to leave her past behind and find a life in the mainstream with the help of the state government.

'I thought once I leave my Maoist past behind I would be in peace and I will lead a happy life. The promises from the district administration were quite reassuring when I surrendered,' Kandiri told IANS.

Her surrender was hailed as an achievement by the district police. A match was also arranged for Kandiri.

She was married to Sankar Lohar of Bandhamunda in Sundargarh district in the presence of then superintendent of police Jaswant Singh, who gave various official assurances.

'I was assured of Rs.50,000, land and a job for my husband at the time of my marriage. But four years later I am still waiting,' 22-year-old Kandiri said.

Her dreams were soon shattered after her wedding as she had to endure abuse from her in-laws and marital violence.

'My husband turned out to be a drunkard. He used to come home drunk every day and used to beat me,' she said.

After being thrown out of her in-laws' house she returned with her three-year-old son to her father's house and has been struggling to make both ends meet.

A few days ago she met the district officials and asked them to honour the promises made to her four years ago.

Although officials consider Kandiri's a fit case for rehabilitation, she is yet to get any relief.

'She is a right candidate for rehabilitation. A couple of days ago she met me. We are looking into her grievances and would address them as soon as possible,' Superintendent of Police (Sundargarh) Dipesh Pattnaik told IANS.

The state government has announced a rehabilitation package for those Maoists who want to surrender which includes a cash award of Rs.10,000 to meet immediate needs.