Four Maoists surrender in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh on Friday, marking another major success for the State’s sustained anti-Naxal operations. The surrendered cadres, including two women, carried a combined reward of ₹8 lakh, officials confirmed.
Notably, the Maoists belonged to the Kistaram area committee of the south Bastar division. According to Inspector General of Police, Bastar Range, Sundarraj P, they surrendered under the State government’s Poona Margem initiative, which focuses on rehabilitation and social reintegration. Importantly, the cadres approached security forces voluntarily and handed over their weapons without resistance.
Moreover, the surrendered Maoists told police that the government’s surrender and rehabilitation policy played a crucial role in their decision. At the same time, they admitted that continuous security pressure limited their movement and disrupted their operations. Consequently, they chose to abandon violence and return to civilian life.
Among them, Sodhi Joga, an area committee member, carried a reward of ₹5 lakh. Meanwhile, the other three — Dabar Ganga alias Madkam Ganga, Sodhi Raje, and Madvi Budhari — carried rewards of ₹1 lakh each. Additionally, they surrendered one INSAS rifle, one Self Loading Rifle (SLR), one .303 rifle, one .315 rifle, and ammunition.
Furthermore, police teams from Sukma district and Andhra Pradesh’s Alluri Sitarama Raju district coordinated closely to facilitate the surrender. Officials said newly established security camps in Kistaram and Golapalli, along with improved road connectivity, weakened Maoist networks significantly. As a result, insurgents now find it harder to operate freely in the region.
Four Maoists surrender in Sukma amid a broader trend across Chhattisgarh. So far this year, more than 200 Maoists have laid down arms. Similarly, in neighbouring Bijapur district, 52 Maoists surrendered on January 15 alone. Last year, over 1,500 Maoists joined the mainstream in the State.
Finally, Sukma Superintendent of Police Kiran Chavan urged remaining Maoist cadres to give up violence. He assured them of security, rehabilitation benefits, and a dignified future. Meanwhile, the Centre continues to pursue its goal of eliminating Maoism nationwide by March 31 this year.
