Raipur
In a significant setback to the Maoist movement in South Bastar, four active cadres, including two women, surrendered before the police and security forces on Friday. The surrendered Maoists, who carried a combined bounty of Rs 8 lakh, were active in the Konta-Kistaram area committee along the Chhattisgarh–Andhra Pradesh border.
The cadres handed over automatic weapons and ammunition, including an INSAS rifle, an SLR, and a .303 rifle. The surrender took place under the ‘Poona Nargom’ (New Dawn) rehabilitation campaign, a joint initiative of the Sukma district police and the Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) district police of Andhra Pradesh.
According to Bastar Range IG P. Sundarraj, Sukma SP Kiran Chavan, ASR (AP) OSD Pankaj Meena, ASP Rohit Shah, and CRPF 2IC Arvind P. Anand were present during the surrender.
According to the police, the Maoists were associated with the Kistaram and Golapalli Local Organisation Squads (LOS). They are accused in at least eight criminal cases. The individuals have been identified as:
- Sodhi Joga: ACM rank, carrying a reward of Rs 5 lakh
- Dabra Ganga: LOS member, carrying a reward of Rs 1 lakh
- Sodhi Raje: LOS member, carrying a reward of Rs 1 lakh
- Madvi Budhri: LOS member, carrying a reward of Rs 1 lakh
Police officials stated that the establishment of new security camps in Kistaram and Golapalli, coupled with expanded road connectivity, has restricted the movement of Maoists. These anti-Naxal operations have led to growing internal resentment and disillusionment within the organisation.
Increased access to government welfare schemes has bolstered the villagers’ trust in the administration, weakening the Maoist influence in the region. Police officials claimed the Maoist organisation is now in its final stages in these pockets.
The surrendered cadres will receive financial assistance and benefits under the Chhattisgarh government’s surrender and rehabilitation policy to help them reintegrate into mainstream society.
Sukma SP Kiran Chavan urged remaining Maoists to shun violence and avail themselves of the government’s rehabilitation policy. Bastar IG P. Sundarraj said violence only leads to destruction, while the ‘Poona Nargom’ campaign offers a path of development and dignity.
CM Vishnu Deo Sai
Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said the surrender reflects growing public confidence in the state’s security and development initiatives. He reiterated the government’s resolve to create a Naxal-free Bastar and a safe Chhattisgarh.
The state police attributed the weakening of the Maoist base to coordinated efforts by security forces, the establishment of strategic camps, and improved road connectivity in former insurgent strongholds. Officials noted that the shrinking influence of Maoist groups in these areas is a direct result of sustained operations and better infrastructure.
Under the state’s rehabilitation policy, the surrendered cadres will receive immediate assistance and support to facilitate their transition.
