30 Maoists, including 20 with bounties worth Rs 81 lakh, surrender in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur
Raipur
A total of 30 Maoists, including 20 with bounties totalling Rs 81 lakh on their heads, surrendered in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district on Wednesday. The surrender took place under the state government’s “Puna Nargem” (New Beginning) rehabilitation initiative.
The Maoists who surrendered included a couple, Sonu Hemla, who was the sub-divisional bureau incharge of the KK sub-division, and his wife Sukri Gawde. Hemla, who carried a bounty of ₹8 lakh, said they surrendered to live a happy family life.
The surrender ceremony was attended by Deputy Inspector General of Police (Dantewada Range) Kamlochan Kashyap, CRPF Deputy Inspector General (Sector Bijapur) BS Negi, Bijapur Superintendent of Police Dr Jitendra Kumar Yadav, and other senior officials.
The Maoists who laid down arms held various positions within the organisation, including a divisional committee member (DVCM), platoon party members, and members of the Janatana Sarkar. They were active in different parts of the state’s North Bastar division.
According to a press statement, the Maoists were disillusioned with the organisation’s ideology and were motivated to return to the mainstream by the government’s rehabilitation policy and development work in the region. The setting up of new security camps and the expansion of roads, water, electricity, and other facilities have also played a role.
Cash assistance provided to surrendered Maoists
Each of the surrendered Maoists received an immediate assistance cheque of ₹50,000 as part of the state’s surrender and rehabilitation policy.
In a statement, SP Yadav appealed to other Maoists to renounce violence and return to a peaceful life, assuring them of a safe and dignified life under the government’s policy.
According to police records, a total of 307 Maoists have surrendered in the district since January 1, 2025. During the same period, 331 have been arrested, while 132 have been killed in separate encounters. The data since January 1, 2024, shows that 496 Maoists have surrendered, 834 have been arrested and 190 have been killed in the district.
