The cadres, belonging to the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC) of the Maoist movement, surrendered under the state government’s “Poona Margaem-Rehabilitation to Rejuvenation” initiative, choosing to abandon violence and rejoin the mainstream.
Speaking to ANI, Reddy explained that no central leadership has emerged following the failure to convene a Central Committee meeting due to intense security operations.
The surrender ceremony was held at the Sukma Superintendent of Police’s office under the state government’s rehabilitation framework. Officials described the development as a clear indication of a gradual shift on the ground, driven by sustained security pressure and expanded administrative outreach in remote forested regions.
The DGP said the surrender with arms would lead to significant erosion of organisational strength, morale, and leadership credibility of the CPI (Maoists).
Three cadres formally renounced violence by handing over firearms, including an SLR, an INSAS rifle, and a .303 rifle.
Seven members of the Kumaram Bheem Divisional Committee also handed over eight firearms, including one AK-47 rifle, two SLRs, .303 rifles and one G3, along with a G3 rifle and live ammunition of various calibres.
The surrender that took place in the Kanker district on Sunday involved several senior cadres of the outlawed CPI (Maoist) and marks another significant setback for the insurgent network in the Bastar region.
Among those who surrendered were prominent Maoist leaders Rupesh, Ranita, Raju Salam, and Ratan, marking final blow to the armed insurgency that has gripped South Chhattisgarh for decades.
According to a press note issued by the police headquarters, nine squad members and one area committee member of the CPI (Maoist) laid down their arms.
The surrender ceremony, held at the office of the Superintendent of Police, was witnessed by senior police and CRPF officers.
