Major Blow to Maoist Insurgency: Top Leader Sonu ‘Dada’ Surrenders with 60 Cadres in Maharashtra

Gadchiroli – In what could be a landmark development in India’s fight against left-wing extremism, reports suggest that top Maoist leader Mallojula Venugopal Rao, also known as Sonu ‘Dada’ or Bhupati, has surrendered to security forces along with 60 other cadres in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district.

If confirmed, this would mark the largest simultaneous surrender in the history of the Maoist movement, dealing a significant blow to the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist).

According to police sources, the group reportedly laid down their arms in the dense forests of Gadchiroli, a long-standing Maoist stronghold. However, authorities have yet to provide official confirmation, urging the public to await verified statements due to the sensitivity of operations in the region.

Sonu ‘Dada’, a senior figure in the Maoist hierarchy, had previously indicated his willingness to surrender along with his weapons—a rare admission that reportedly sparked internal discord within the organisation. Sources suggest that this statement may have triggered defections, weakening the group’s cohesion.

The surrendered cadres, including women and lower-level operatives, are currently under interrogation to provide intelligence on Maoist networks, hideouts, and future plans.

This development comes amid intensified anti-Naxal operations in eastern Maharashtra, where government rehabilitation policies have encouraged surrenders. The Naxal Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy offers amnesty, financial aid, and skill training to reintegrate former insurgents into society.

If verified, Sonu ‘Dada’s defection could disrupt key leadership structures, as he is believed to have orchestrated several high-profile attacks. Experts say the development reflects the success of coordinated intelligence efforts and community outreach programs.

While speculation mounts about a possible larger exodus, the Gadchiroli administration has increased security, and civil society groups have called for humane treatment of the surrendered. As investigations continue, the incident highlights the evolving dynamics of India’s fight against extremism.

With inputs from IANS