34 Maoists Surrender in Bijapur; ₹84 Lakh Bounty Cadres Return to Mainstream Under “Poona Maragem” Initiative
Bijapur, Chhattisgarh | December 16, 2025
In a significant breakthrough in the state’s anti-Maoist campaign, 34 hardcore Maoist cadres carrying a cumulative reward of ₹84 lakh surrendered before senior police officials in Bijapur district under the state government’s flagship initiative “Poona Maragem: Rehabilitation for Renewal.” The surrenderees include seven women cadres and twenty-seven men, all of whom were active members of various Maoist divisions across south Bastar and adjoining regions of Telangana and Odisha.
The surrendered cadres came from the Dandakaranya South Zonal Committee (DKSZC), Telangana State Committee, and AOB Division, marking a broad organizational-level disengagement from the violent Maoist movement.
Long-Time Cadres Among Those Who Surrendered
Among the key surrendered members are Pandru Punem alias Sanju, a DVCM-ranked leader of the Kerlapal Area Committee with a bounty of ₹8 lakh, and Rookni Hemla alias Rainu, a woman commander from PLGA Company No. 2 with a similar reward. Other high-ranking cadres included members from various area and platoon committees, militia units, and Janatana Sarkar structures.
The group reportedly included:
- 1 DVCM (Area Committee Level)
- 1 PPCM and 4 company members
- 3 ACMs and 8 Area/Platoon Committee Members
- 3 Militia Platoon Commanders and 5 members
- 1 PLGA member
- 9 local functionaries from affiliated Maoist organizations (CNM, Janatana Sarkar, DAKMS, and KAMS)
Peace Through Surrender and Rehabilitation
According to official data, since January 2024, a total of 824 Maoists have surrendered, 1,079 have been arrested, and 220 have been killed in encounters in Bijapur district alone.
Police officials described the mass surrender as a result of the Chhattisgarh Government’s sustained peace and rehabilitation policy, which combines security operations with dialogue, trust-building, and development. Each surrendered cadre will receive an immediate relief grant of ₹50,000 under the state’s rehabilitation package.
Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range), DIGs of various sectors, and Bijapur Superintendent of Police Dr. Jitendra Kumar Yadav supervised the operation that led to this coordinated surrender drive. The move was facilitated through joint efforts of DRG, Bastar Fighters, STF, CoBRA units, and CRPF battalions, whose continuous field engagement helped inspire confidence among Maoists to return to civil life.
Reintegration Under “Poona Maragem”
The “Poona Maragem: Rehabilitation for Renewal” scheme continues to play a pivotal role in Chhattisgarh’s deradicalization efforts. It focuses on helping former militants reintegrate into society by providing livelihood opportunities, education, and social security.
SP Dr. Yadav appealed to remaining Maoists to lay down arms, stating:
“The Chhattisgarh Government’s rehabilitation policy is transforming lives and restoring peace in Bastar. Families of former Maoists want them to live a dignified, normal life in society. The state’s Poona Maragem scheme ensures a secure, respectful, and self-reliant future for all who choose peace over violence.”
Officials confirmed that legal formalities for rehabilitation and reintegration of all 34 individuals are underway, marking a significant stride toward lasting peace in South Bastar.
