52 Maoists Carrying Rs 1.41 Crore in Bounties Surrender in Chhattisgarh

Raipur/Bijapur: In a major boost to Chhattisgarh’s ongoing anti-Maoist ??????, as many as 52 cadres of the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist) surrendered before security forces, marking a significant step toward restoring peace in the Bastar region.

The surrender ceremony was held under the theme “Poona Margem: Rehabilitation to Rejuvenation – A New Beginning of Peace and Trust,” underscoring the impact of the state government’s rehabilitation policy and development initiatives such as Niyad Nella Nar.

The group comprised 21 women and 31 men, collectively carrying rewards amounting to Rs 1.41 crore. They were associated with key Maoist formations, including the South Sub-Zonal Bureau, Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee, Andhra-Odisha Border Division, and the Bhamragarh Area Committee.

Officials said their decision to lay down arms was driven by sustained joint operations conducted by the District Reserve Guard, Bastar Fighters, Special Task Force, CoBRA, and the CRPF, along with consistent appeals promoting peace, development, and rehabilitation.

Several high-ranking Maoist operatives were among those who surrendered. These included Lakkhu Karam alias Anil, a DVC member with an Rs 8 lakh bounty, and Lakshmi Madvi alias Ratna, a PPC member also carrying an Rs 8 lakh reward. Other notable surrenders included Chinni Sodhi alias Shanti, Bhima Karam, Vishnu Mandavi alias Kiran alias Moti, and Moti Korsa, each holding significant positions and bounties ranging between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 8 lakh.

The surrendered group also included Area Committee Members (ACMs), PPC members, militia commanders, and leaders linked to various Maoist organisations, committees, and the Janatana Sarkar.

Superintendent of Police Dr. Jitendra Kumar Yadav, who presided over the event along with senior CRPF and police officials, termed the surrender a turning point in the fight against Left-Wing Extremism. He said the cadres had realised the futility of violence and were opting for a constructive path through rehabilitation programmes offering financial assistance, skill development, housing, and employment opportunities.

The development further strengthens Bijapur district’s track record, where since January 2024, 824 Maoists have surrendered, 1,126 have been arrested, and 223 have been neutralised in encounters.

Across Chhattisgarh, more than 2,000 Maoists have surrendered under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, in line with the Union Home Ministry’s goal of eliminating Left-Wing Extremism by 2026.

Officials believe the latest surrender will encourage more cadres to abandon violence, accelerating the return of peace and normalcy in Bastar. Similar mass surrenders in Dantewada and Sukma earlier this month have already indicated a weakening Maoist influence across the region.

Reflecting the change in mindset, one former cadre said, “We were misled by anti-people ideology; now we seek a life based on trust and development.”

With inputs from IANS