11 Naxalites Surrender in Gadchiroli, Signalling Decline of LWE

In a major boost to anti-Naxal operations, 11 Naxalites , including five senior cadres , surrendered before security forces in Gadchiroli district on Thursday, signalling a continued decline of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in the region.

According to an official release, the surrendered cadres six of them women were collectively carrying a reward of ₹68 lakh . They laid down arms before officials of the district police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) . The group included key functionaries such as a Divisional Committee Member (DVCM) and an Area Committee Secretary , indicating a weakening of the Maoist leadership structure.

Authorities noted that 123 armed Maoists have surrendered in the past year , reflecting sustained pressure from security forces and the impact of rehabilitation initiatives. Once active across all ten sub-divisions of Gadchiroli, the Naxal movement is now largely confined to the border areas of Bhamragad , near Chhattisgarh , marking a significant contraction in its operational footprint.

Police officials described the development as part of a broader trend of diminishing insurgent activity in the district. They also recalled a major breakthrough in October last year, when senior Maoist leader Mallojula Venugopal Rao , along with 61 cadres , surrendered before Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Gadchiroli.

Special Inspector General of Police Sandip Patil reiterated the administration’s appeal to remaining Maoists to abandon violence and join the mainstream , assuring support under government rehabilitation policies.

The latest surrender highlights the shrinking influence of Naxalism in Gadchiroli , once a stronghold of Left Wing Extremism, and underscores the combined impact of security operations and outreach efforts aimed at restoring normalcy in the region.