37 Maoists, including 27 carrying rewards of Rs 65 lakh, surrender in Chhattisgarh

The “Poona Margem- Rehabilitation to Rejuvenation” initiative registered another significant breakthrough in Dantewada district, southern Chhattisgarh, on Sunday. A total of 37 Maoists renounced violence and joined the social mainstream, reflecting the growing acceptance of the rehabilitation model in South Bastar.

This includes 27 rewarded cadres collectively carrying Rs 65 lakh on their heads, a development officials described as a decisive indicator of changing ground realities.

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District police officers said the surrender was the result of coordinated efforts by the Chhattisgarh Government, the Union Government, Dantewada Police, local administration and the Central Reserve Police Force, who remain committed to building lasting peace and inclusive development in the region.

Superintendent of Police Gaurav Rai noted that the surrender was made possible through active support from the DRG, Bastar Fighters, Special Intelligence Branch Dantewada, 111th Battalion CRPF, 230th Battalion CRPF Dantewada and the RFT Jagdalpur teams.

Under the state’s surrender and rehabilitation policy, each Maoist will receive Rs 50,000 in immediate assistance, along with other entitlements such as skill development training, livelihood support and access to agricultural land where applicable.

The 37 cadres who surrendered include members of the Company No. 06 and 10 units, Area Committees, ACMs, Platoon 16, RPC units, CNM commanders, militia members, Janatana Sarkar functionaries, and other affiliates from across Amadai, Indravati, Bhairamgarh and neighbouring sectors.

Officials confirmed that 27 Maoists were listed with cash rewards ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 8 lakh, including Kumli alias Anita Mandavi, Company No. 06 member and SZCM Kamlesh’s guard (Rs 8 lakh), Geeta alias Lakhmi Madkam, Company No. 10 member (Rs 8 lakh), Ranjan alias Soma Mandavi, Company No. 06 member (Rs 8 lakh), Bheema alias Jahaaz Kalmu, Company No. 02 member (Rs 8 lakh), Kranti alias Podiye Gawde, ACM Amadai (Rs 5 lakh), and several others across platoon, RPC and area committee structures.

In the presence of district officials, the cadres laid down their weapons, including SLR, INSAS and .303 rifles, signalling their decision to disengage fully from armed activity. SP Rai emphasised that 287 Maoists have surrendered in Dantewada in 2025 alone, while over 508 cadres, including 165 rewarded Maoists, have surrendered in the past 20 months, marking one of the most extensive de-escalations seen in the district.

Bastar Range IG Sundarraj P described Poona Margem as a “transformative pathway for lasting peace, dignity and holistic progress in Bastar.” He urged remaining cadres to understand their responsibility towards their families and society, abandon violence and embrace rehabilitation.