Maoist expert surrenders to Andhra police

In a major breakthrough for security forces in the region, a key member of the CPI (Maoist) organization, Dirido Deva (34), voluntarily surrendered to police in Andhra Pradesh’s Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) district on Tuesday.

Deva, a resident of Sukma district in neighboring Chhattisgarh, laid down his arms before a senior police team, including Superintendent of Police (SP) Amit Bardar and Additional Superintendent of Police Jagadeesh Adahalli. His surrender marks the end of a 25-year-long association with the banned outfit, which he joined at the tender age of 14 in 2001. According to police, he was influenced by two senior Maoists, Bejji and Vetti Rama, who frequently visited his village.

Over his two and a half decades with the Maoists, Deva served in various capacities, progressing from the Balala Sangham (children’s wing) and DAKMS (adivasi organization) to becoming a Platoon Commander, Action Team member, and an instructor for new recruits. At the time of his surrender, he held the key position of Konta Area Committee member. He was particularly known for his expertise in handling and planting Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and booby traps, making his surrender a significant blow to the group's operational capabilities.

Police records indicate that Deva was involved in a long list of violent activities, including two murder cases, 13 exchanges of fire with security forces, and multiple incidents of arson, such as burning road construction machinery. He was also responsible for planting numerous IEDs and concealing explosives and Maoist literature in forest areas across several villages.

According to SP Bardar, Deva’s decision to surrender was motivated by a combination of factors. The Maoist's movement had become severely restricted due to increased police operations and the establishment of new security camps in formerly Maoist-dominated areas. Furthermore, he cited a noticeable decline in public support, growing disillusionment with the party’s ideology, and personal and family issues. A key factor was also his growing awareness of the government's attractive surrender and rehabilitation benefits.

The SP assured Deva that he would receive all eligible benefits under the government’s policy, which includes financial assistance, land, and opportunities for employment. SP Bardar also used the occasion to issue a public appeal to other Maoist members, urging them to voluntarily surrender at the nearest police station or to approach senior police officials through their relatives or well-wishers to start a new life.