Raipur: Six Maoist cadres, including four associated with operations in neighbouring Odisha, surrendered before the police in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district on Monday, October 12, marking another development in the state’s ongoing anti-Naxal campaign.
The surrendered cadres carried a combined reward of ₹35 lakh, according to police officials. The group included three women, four cadres identified as Platoon Party Committee Members (PPCMs) and two Party Members (PMs).
Police attributed the surrender to sustained anti-Maoist operations, the weakening of the organisation, disillusionment with its ideology and the state government’s surrender and rehabilitation initiatives.
Six Surrendered Maoists Identified
The six cadres were identified by police as:
- Rani Sodhi alias Sandhya
- Pando Podiyam alias Sasmita
- Sukku Kudiyam alias Santosh
- Kosa Madvi alias Satish
- Deve Madkam alias Janni
- Lalu Tati
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According to officials, four of the surrendered cadres had been active in Odisha, while the other two were associated with the Maoist organisation’s West Bastar division in Chhattisgarh.
The surrender was facilitated through coordinated efforts involving the Bijapur District Reserve Guard (DRG), the Central Reserve Police Force’s 170th Battalion and the local police.
Security Operations and Rehabilitation Policy Cited
Police officials said the cadres decided to abandon the Maoist organisation amid continued counter-insurgency operations and growing organisational difficulties within its ranks.
Their reported reasons for surrender also included disillusionment with the outfit’s violent ideology, the impact of rehabilitation programmes for former Maoists and development initiatives in tribal areas.
The Chhattisgarh government’s Naxal Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy is intended to encourage cadres to renounce violence and return to mainstream society by providing assistance for rehabilitation and livelihood opportunities.
Financial Assistance and Rehabilitation Support
Under the state’s rehabilitation framework, the surrendered cadres are expected to receive assistance in accordance with the applicable policy provisions.
- The support described by officials includes:
- Financial assistance to help former cadres begin their rehabilitation.
- Skill development training to improve their employment prospects.
- Housing support as provided under the applicable rehabilitation provisions.
- Employment and livelihood opportunities to support their reintegration into society.
- Administrative assistance and guidance from the district authorities and police during rehabilitation.
The surrender is part of the state’s wider efforts to combine security operations with rehabilitation measures aimed at encouraging Maoist cadres to leave violence and return to civilian life.
Anti-Maoist Operations Continue in Bastar
Bijapur lies in the Bastar region of southern Chhattisgarh, which has remained a focus of anti-Maoist operations. Security agencies have continued operations alongside outreach efforts intended to persuade members of the outlawed organisation to surrender.
The latest surrender brings six more cadres into the rehabilitation process. Police have described the development as a result of continued security pressure and efforts to encourage a return to mainstream society.
The surrendered cadres’ rehabilitation will proceed under the applicable government policy, with assistance from the district administration and security agencies.
