Top Maoist commander Papa Rao likely to surrender in Bastar

With less than a week left before the deadline for a Maoist insurgency-free India and Chhattisgarh, security forces are leaving no stone unturned to achieve what Union Home Minister Amit Shah had declared a year ago. There has been a noticeable buzz within the security establishment since reports emerged that talks regarding the surrender of the most wanted and influential Maoist leader, Papa Rao, have reached an advanced stage. While there is no official confirmation yet, preparations are being made to bring him to Jagdalpur if the surrender goes through.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Monday described the possible surrender of senior Maoist commander Papa Rao as a significant development in the ongoing anti-Naxal operations. Sai said that the sustained push against Left-Wing Extremism under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s leadership has shown results. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma termed the development an important moment in the broader campaign against Maoist insurgency.

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A Bijapur-based journalist, on condition of anonymity, revealed that a special team of personnel has already moved towards the Indravati National Park area. Papa Rao is expected to surrender with weapons, along with around 17 cadres.

Papa Rao has been associated with the West Bastar Division and is a member of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee. He carries a reward of about ₹25 lakh on his head. Over the years, his name has figured in several major incidents in the Bastar region, including the IED blast on the Kutru-Bedre road.

Within the Maoist set-up, Papa Rao has been seen as someone with considerable influence. Officials say that his organisational grip remained strong, and even members of his family were linked to the network during these years.

Senior journalist Manish Gupta, who has studied Maoist insurgency in Bastar for years, said that if the surrender of Papa Rao takes place, it would be the last nail in the coffin for the Maoist structure in Bastar. In recent months, a number of senior cadres have either been killed or have laid down arms, steadily weakening the leadership on the ground, he added.