Four Maoist cadres with bounty surrender in Chhattisgarh under ‘Poona Margem’ initiative

Four Maoist cadres, carrying a combined bounty of ₹8 lakh, surrendered before security forces in Sukma district on Friday. They laid down automatic weapons and ammunition. Two of the surrendered cadres are women. This surrender is being seen as a significant breakthrough in the ongoing campaign against left-wing extremism in southern Chhattisgarh.

The cadres surrendered along with automatic weapons and ammunition under the Poona Margem initiative being carried out by Chhattisgarh Police. Two of those who laid down arms are women.

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Police officials said the surrendered cadres were active members of the Konta–Kistaram area committee and belonged to the Golapalli Local Operations Squad. One of them functioned as a squad commander, while the others were party members involved in armed activities.

During the surrender, the cadres deposited one self-loading rifle, one INSAS rifle, one .303 rifle, one .315 bore rifle and several rounds of live ammunition. The surrender took place in the presence of senior officers, including Bastar Range Inspector General P. Sundarraj and Sukma Superintendent of Police Kiran Chavan.

Officials said sustained counter-insurgency operations, expansion of security camps in interior areas and improved access to development schemes have significantly restricted Maoist movement. These measures, they said, have led to growing disillusionment within the ranks of the banned outfit.

The surrendered cadres have opted to join the mainstream under the Chhattisgarh government’s surrender and rehabilitation policy. Authorities said they will be provided with financial assistance and structured support to help them rebuild their lives.

Appealing to remaining armed cadres, Superintendent of Police Chavan urged them to abandon violence and take advantage of the rehabilitation framework. Inspector General Sundarraj said the Maoist organisation was steadily losing ground and described Poona Margem as a pathway from conflict to development and dignity.