38 CPI-Maoist surrendered in Telangana’s Bhadradri Kothagudem district, influenced by the state’s rehabilitation policy and tribal welfare programs under Operation Cheyutha.
38 members of the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist) laid down their arms and surrendered before the police in Telangana’s Bhadradri Kothagudem district on Friday. The move, hailed as a major success for the state’s rehabilitation and welfare initiatives, underscores a growing shift among Maoist cadres toward rejoining mainstream society.
The surrendered individuals, who were active in various Maoist cadres in neighboring Chhattisgarh, presented themselves before Bhadradri Kothagudem Superintendent of Police (SP) Rohit Raju. Among them were two senior party members, 16 militia personnel, seven Village Committee Members (VCMs), six members of the Krantikari Adivasi Mahila Sangathan (KAMS), three from the Chetna Natya Manch (CNM), and four belonging to the Guerrilla Revolutionary Districts (GRDs).
SP Rohit Raju handed over cheques as part of the Telangana government’s immediate assistance package aimed at facilitating the smooth rehabilitation of the surrendered Maoists. He emphasized that the decision of these individuals to abandon violence was influenced by the state’s comprehensive rehabilitation policy and the proactive welfare work being undertaken under “Operation Cheyutha.” This joint initiative by the district police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) focuses on tribal welfare and development in Maoist-affected areas.
“The surrendered Maoists were drawn by the humane and effective policies of the Telangana government. They are now looking forward to a peaceful life with their families,” said SP Raju. He added that 265 Maoists have surrendered in the district so far this year, highlighting the success of the ongoing efforts.
SP Raju further stated that the banned CPI-Maoist has been steadily losing support among tribal populations. He accused the Maoist leadership of deliberately hindering the development of tribal agency areas to maintain their control. “They are planting landmines in areas where innocent tribals travel daily, instilling fear and obstructing livelihoods. These actions have turned people against them,” he noted.
Raju also condemned the Maoists for the killing and torture of innocent tribals, labeling them as police informers without evidence. He reiterated the district police administration’s commitment to helping any Maoist who chooses to surrender, offering not only immediate financial aid but also long-term support for reintegration into society.
In a message to remaining Maoist cadres, SP Raju urged them to contact local police stations or district officials if they wished to surrender. “We are committed to ensuring their safe return and rehabilitation. Even top leaders from the Telangana region will receive special rewards and rehabilitation packages if they opt to join the mainstream,” he said.
This mass surrender marks a crucial milestone in Telangana’s fight against extremism and reinforces the importance of welfare-led de-radicalization strategies.
