Did 11 Maoists, Including Key Leaders with Rs 37 Lakh Bounties, Surrender in Narayanpur?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 11 Maoist cadres surrendered, marking a significant win against extremism.
- Combined bounties of Rs 37 lakh were attached to the surrendered individuals.
- The initiative promotes peace and rehabilitation in the Bastar region.
- Police efforts and infrastructure development are key drivers behind this success.
- Growing trend towards peace and development in Narayanpur district.
Raipur/Narayanpur, Dec 17 (NationPress) In a significant victory under the 'Poona Margam: Rehabilitation to Rejuvenation' initiative, a total of 11 Maoist members, comprising six men and five women, have surrendered to Narayanpur Superintendent of Police Robinson Gudiya (IPS) on Wednesday. This event represents a notable setback for left-wing extremism in the Bastar region.
The surrendered individuals carried a cumulative bounty of Rs 37 lakh and included prominent leaders, such as three Military Company Members (each with a reward of Rs 8 lakh), one Area Committee Member (rewarded with Rs 5 lakh), and seven Party Members/Protective Personnel, as confirmed by the police official.
These individuals were actively involved in operations within the Mad Division and GRB Division areas, according to the officials.
Each surrendered Maoist was provided with an immediate incentive cheque of Rs 50,000 and will be eligible for facilities under the Chhattisgarh government's rehabilitation policy.
The group included Boda Wadde alias Bhima (Rs 8 lakh), Namesh Mandavi alias Dilip (Rs 8 lakh), Somari Mandavi alias Rita (Rs 8 lakh), and Siyaram Salam alias Akash (Rs 5 lakh).
The remaining members comprised Meera Mandavi, Sannu Podiyam, Somari Alami, Suddi Alami, Saklu Usendi, Budri Uika, and Tulsi Potam (each with bounties of Rs 1-2 lakh).
Police officials credited the surrenders to intensified anti-Naxal operations, the establishment of forward security camps in sensitive areas, rapid infrastructure development—including new roads—and improved access to government schemes in the remote villages of Mad and Narayanpur districts.
With this latest development, a total of 298 Maoist cadres of various ranks have surrendered in Narayanpur district alone in 2025, indicating a growing trend towards peace and development.
Inspector General of Police, Bastar Range, P Sundarraj stated, “The surrender of these 11 cadres signifies the decline of the violent, anti-people Maoist ideology. Citizens are opting for peace, dignity, and sustainable progress by embracing the 'Poona Margam' initiative. The Chhattisgarh and Central governments, along with Bastar Police, local administration, and security forces, are wholly committed to restoring peace, ensuring proper rehabilitation, and promoting inclusive development.”
Officials described these surrenders as evidence of diminishing Maoist influence, driven by sustained pressure from security forces and appealing rehabilitation measures, reinforcing the state's commitment to transforming conflict-ridden areas into centers of progress.