Raipur, March 24 (NationPress) In a significant milestone, just a week prior to the government’s self-imposed deadline for declaring Bastar Naxal-free, the final prominent Naxal cadre in the area—Papa Rao, also known as Mangu—has surrendered along with his armed contingent.

The 56-year-old Papa Rao, hailing from Sukma district and a senior figure in the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZCM), arrived at the Kutru police station in Bijapur district equipped with an AK-47 and additional weapons. He was joined by 17 followers, comprising 10 men and 8 women, and was subsequently transported by bus to Jagdalpur.

Security forces successfully seized eight AK-47 rifles, one SLR, and one INSAS rifle from the group. A reward of ₹25 lakh had been announced for his capture.

Papa Rao, who led the West Bastar Division Committee and was also part of the South Sub-Zonal Bureau, was regarded as the most wanted Naxalite in Bastar following the elimination of Madvi Hidma, former commander of Battalion No. 1 of the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA). He was well-versed in the forests, rivers, and terrain of Bastar, having consistently evaded law enforcement operations.

Home Minister and Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma confirmed this development during an event in Kawardha. “With Papa Rao's surrender, there are no active members remaining in the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee,” he stated.

Sharma also mentioned that he spoke with Papa Rao via mobile phone just before the surrender. Only two top-tier Naxal leaders—Mishir Besra and Ganapathi—are still active outside the state, orchestrating whatever remains of the organization, according to the minister.

Officials have characterized this event as the near dismantling of the Naxal outfit’s West Bastar Divisional Committee. Papa Rao was the final frontline combatant following the surrenders of Battalion No. 1 commander Deva and the elimination of 17 top leaders last year—including Madvi Hidma, general secretary Basavaraju, and Ganesh Uike—in police encounters.

Numerous other cadres, including Bhupati, Rupesh, and Ramdher, have also surrendered in recent months.

The Chhattisgarh government has celebrated Papa Rao’s surrender as the “total eradication of armed Naxalism” from Bastar.

However, the State Congress has expressed concerns. Party president Deepal Baij has called for clarification from the government, cautioning that after the deadline, tribals might face increased harassment and that Bastar’s natural resources could be transferred to private enterprises.

He urged the administration to ensure that no innocent tribal individual is wrongly labeled as a Naxalite and arrested.