17 Maoists Surrender in Telangana, Drawn by Police Welfare Initiatives

Hyderabad : Seventeen active Maoists from Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur and Sukma districts surrendered before the police in Telangana’s Bhadradri Kothagudem district on Friday. The surrender took place at the district police headquarters in the presence of Superintendent of Police Rohit Raju and officials from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

According to police, the surrendered individuals include two Area Committee members, four party members, and eleven militia cadres of the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist). The Maoists expressed their willingness to give up violence and begin a peaceful life with their families.

The surrender was reportedly motivated by the success of “Operation Cheyutha,” a police initiative that focuses on the welfare of Adivasi (tribal) communities and encourages Maoists to rejoin the mainstream. The program highlights various development and rehabilitation schemes designed for those who voluntarily give up arms.

Superintendent of Police Rohit Raju stated that, so far this year, a total of 282 Maoists of different ranks have surrendered to the district police, influenced by these outreach and support measures. He urged the residents of border villages not to cooperate with Maoists and to promptly inform the authorities about any suspicious movements in their areas.

Highlighting the importance of public cooperation, the SP cited a recent example in Mulugu district where 20 Maoist cadres were arrested and 12 weapons were seized based on information provided by villagers.

The Telangana police, in coordination with their Chhattisgarh counterparts, are offering suitable rewards and long-term rehabilitation packages to those who surrender. These include livelihood assistance, housing, and other welfare benefits.

The SP warned that Maoists attempting to enter Telangana would not find shelter or escape from the vigilance of the state police. “The people here are aware and no longer support outdated ideologies,” he said, referring to recent encounters in areas like Karreguttalu, where 31 Maoists lost their lives.

He reiterated that those willing to surrender and lead a peaceful life with their families will receive full support and benefits from the district administration to rebuild their lives.

Team Maverick.