Maoist Kotehonda Ravi Surrenders in Karnataka
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Synopsis
Maoist Kotehonda Ravi has surrendered to Karnataka authorities, marking a key moment in the state's efforts to become Naxal-free. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced plans to reward police for their efforts. Another Naxal, Thombattu Lakshmi, is set to surrender soon.
Key Takeaways
- Kotehonda Ravi has surrendered in Karnataka.
- The surrender occurred in Nemmar Forest IB.
- Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is committed to eradicating Naxalism.
- Another Naxal, Thombattu Lakshmi, is expected to surrender soon.
- A Chief Minister's Medal will be awarded to the police team.
Bengaluru, Feb 1 (NationPress) In a significant turn of events, Maoist Kotehonda Ravi has voluntarily surrendered to the authorities in Karnataka, as confirmed by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) on Saturday.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed his satisfaction regarding this development, stating: "The last underground naxal Kotehonda Ravi (UG Naxal) has given himself up at Nemmar Forest IB, located four kilometers from Sringeri in Chikkamagaluru district."
Authorities are currently in the process of transporting Ravi to Chikkamagaluru to finalize the surrender.
Additionally, officials reported that the long-hidden underground Naxal Thombattu Lakshmi is expected to surrender on February 2 either at Chikkamagalur or Udupi.
The operation named 'Naxal Surrender' has now concluded successfully.
In acknowledgment of the dedicated efforts by a team of 22 police officers who have worked tirelessly towards making the state naxal-free, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the Chief Minister's Medal.
On January 8, during a previous surrender event, Siddaramaiah welcomed the former Maoists back into society by presenting them with roses and copies of the Constitution in Bengaluru.
The Congress-led government had previously declared Karnataka as a Left Wing Extremism-free state following the surrender of six Maoists.
Among those who surrendered alongside Chief Minister Siddaramaiah were Mundagaru Latha from Mundagaru in Sringeri, Vanajakshi from Balehole in Kalasa, Sundari from Kutluru near Mangaluru, Marappa Jayanna Aroli from Raichur, Vasantha T. aka Ramesh from Tamil Nadu, and N. Jeesha from Kerala.
After the Maoists' surrender, CM Siddaramaiah emphasized: "To eradicate Naxalism in Karnataka and to meet their demands, we are devoted to taking all necessary actions within the legal framework."
He further asserted, "There is no place in democracy or the Constitution for seeking justice through armed struggle."
In response, Karnataka BJP President B. Y. Vijayendra labeled the surrender of Maoists before Chief Minister Siddaramaiah as a "mere act of drama".
