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Six Maoist cadres reportedly surrendered before Bijapur Police in Chhattisgarh under ongoing anti-Naxal efforts, with rehabilitation assistance and skill development support planned under the state government’s surrender policy. (Images: X)
Raipur/Bijapur: In a significant development in Chhattisgarh’s anti-Naxal campaign, six Maoist cadres surrendered before the Bijapur Police with a combined reward of Rs 35 lakh reported against the group. The surrendered cadres included members associated with Maoist units operating in Odisha and individuals who had left the West Bastar Division organisation. According to information released about the surrender, the group included four Party Political Cadre Members (PPCM) and two Party Members (PM).
Officials attributed the decision to a combination of sustained security operations, the state government’s surrender and rehabilitation policy, and initiatives aimed at providing former Maoist cadres with opportunities to rebuild their lives.
The cadres reportedly cited several reasons for abandoning the Maoist movement, including growing security-force influence, organisational weakening and disillusionment with the group's violent ideology. They also pointed to rehabilitation initiatives for former cadres and development activities in tribal areas as factors influencing their decision.
The surrender followed outreach and coordination involving the Bijapur Police, District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The 170th Battalion of the CRPF also played a role in the coordinated effort, according to the information released.
The information released by the authorities identified the cadres and their reported organisational affiliations as follows:
Rani Sodhi alias Sandhya, 30: Reported PPCM associated with Odisha State Company No. 8, with a reward of Rs 8 lakh.
Pando Podium alias Sasmita, 28: Reported PPCM associated with Odisha State Company No. 8, with a reward of Rs 8 lakh.
Sukku Kudiyam alias Santosh, 27: Reported PPCM and former security guard of an Odisha State Central Committee Member.
Ganesh Uika: Reported reward of Rs 8 lakh; further organisational details were not specified in the supplied information.
Kosa Madvi alias Satish, 30: Reported PPCM and A-Section Commander of Company No. 2, with a reward of Rs 8 lakh.
Deve Madkam alias Janni, 22: Reported Party Member and security guard of Odisha State Special Zonal Committee Member Jagdish Irpa, with a reward of Rs 2 lakh.
Lalu Tati, 25: Reported Party Member associated with the Gangalur Area Committee, with a reward of Rs 1 lakh.
The supplied information identifies six cadres, but lists seven names. The individual identities and reward details therefore require official verification before publication.
Under the Chhattisgarh government's Naxal Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy, the surrendered cadres are expected to receive financial assistance and support for rehabilitation. The announced assistance includes skill development training, housing, education, self-employment opportunities and employment support. The measures are intended to help former cadres establish sustainable livelihoods and reintegrate into mainstream society.
The surrender highlights the state's two-pronged approach to tackling Maoist activity: continued security operations and rehabilitation opportunities for those willing to leave the movement. Coordination among the DRG, CRPF and Bijapur Police was described as an important factor in the development. Authorities have also emphasised trust-building and engagement as part of efforts to encourage cadres to abandon violence.
The latest surrender adds to the broader campaign in Chhattisgarh to weaken Maoist networks while offering former members a route towards civilian life through rehabilitation and development initiatives.
