Jagdalpur (Chhattisgarh): In a stunning blow to Maoist strength, 108 rebels with Rs 3.95 crore bounty surrendered in Bastar on Wednesday, yielding Rs 3.61 crore cash, one kg gold worth Rs 1.64 crore and 101 weapons — the biggest such seizure ever from one spot in anti-Naxal operations.
Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range) Sundarraj Pattilingam told PTI the haul from Maoist dumps included AK-47s, INSAS and SLR rifles, LMGs, .303 rifles and barrel grenade launchers.
“Besides a huge stock of weapons, Rs 3.61 crore in cash and one kg of gold valued at about Rs 1.64 crore were recovered from Maoist dumps, the highest seizure of cash and valuables from a single location in the history of anti-Naxal operations in the country,” he said.
The Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC) cadres of banned CPI (Maoists) – behind past deadly strikes in south Bastar – turned in at Jagdalpur. Surrender tips led to the recoveries, officials said.
Key figures to surrender included Divisional committee members Rahul Telam, Pandru Kovasi, Jhitru Oyam (West Bastar); Ramdhar alias Biru (East Bastar); Mallesh (North Bastar); PLGA battalion commander Muchaki; and Kosa Mandavi (Andhra-Odisha Border). Six such members had Rs 8 lakh bounty each.
Pattilingam said the mass exit signals ideology’s fade. “The large-scale surrender indicated that Maoist ideology was weakening and even members within the organisation were questioning its relevance,” the official said
“He said many cadres were influenced by the “Poona Margem – Rehabilitation to Rejuvenation” initiative and were choosing to give up violence and return to the mainstream. Efforts are being made under the rehabilitation policies of the Centre and the Chhattisgarh government to ensure security and a dignified life for the surrendered cadres.”
Among those who surrendered are six divisional committee members, three company platoon commanders, 18 platoon party members, 23 area committee members, 56 party members, said deputy chief minister (Home) Vijay Sharma in Raipur.
Sharma tied it to the push against Naxalism. “The government aims to eliminate Naxalism by March 31, 2026,” he said, adding: “Maoists are increasingly abandoning violence due to sustained security operations and the government’s rehabilitation policy, which offers them an opportunity to lead a peaceful life.”
