Six Maoist cadres surrender in T’gana amid rehabilitation drive

Six members of the banned Communist Party of India (CPI) (Maoist) from Chhattisgarh surrendered to the police in Bhadradri Kothagudem district on Tuesday, authorities said. This follows the surrender of senior Naxalite leader Mallojula Venugopal, also known as Bhupathi, along with 60 other cadres in Gadchiroli district, Maharashtra.

The Maoists were motivated by the Telangana government’s surrender and rehabilitation policy and the developmental initiatives under Operation Cheyutha, a program carried out by the police in collaboration with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The initiative focuses on improving living conditions in tribal areas through better road connectivity, schools, hospitals, drinking water, and electricity.

Bhadradri Kothagudem Superintendent of Police B. Rohit Raju said the surrendered Maoists have embraced peaceful lives with their families and are benefiting from government support. So far this year, 326 Maoists of various cadres have surrendered in the district.

“The goal is to provide quality education and healthcare to the remotest tribal areas,” the SP said. “We urge communities to understand that supporting Maoist groups, whether out of belief or fear, will not bring progress. Real development can only come through democratically elected governments.”

Experts note that Telangana’s approach could serve as a model for other Naxal-affected states, though programs must be adapted to local cultural and geographic conditions. Sustainable livelihoods, close coordination between security forces and administration, and continuous outreach are key to achieving long-term peace and development in tribal regions.