Top Maoist commander Budse Sukka among 20 who surrender in Telangana

The banned CPI (Maoist) group suffered a major setback in Telangana on Saturday as one of its top commanders, Budse Sukka alias Deva, along with 19 other cadres, surrendered before the Telangana Police.

Police officials said the surrender of such high-ranking members has dealt a serious blow to the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) battalion and the Maoist Telangana State Committee. The Director General of Police stated that sustained efforts by the state police and the government’s rehabilitation policy are encouraging Maoist cadres to return to mainstream society.

Among those who surrendered this year are Budse Sukka, a PLGA battalion commander, and Kankanala Rajireddy, a member of the state committee. The DGP also noted that 509 Maoists laid down their arms and rejoined civilian life last year.

Budse Sukka is considered one of the most influential Maoist leaders, second only to top commander Madvi Hidma. He joined the then People’s War Group in 2003 and was known for his expertise in military strategy, explosives, and weapons manufacturing. He is accused of playing a key role in the 2013 Jiram Ghati ambush in Chhattisgarh, in which former minister Mahendra Karma and several Congress leaders were killed. A reward of ₹75 lakh had been announced for his arrest.

Another senior Maoist leader, Kankanala Rajireddy alias Venkatesh, also surrendered. He reportedly played a crucial role in setting up guerrilla bases in the Karregutta hills along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border. Police said the surrendered group handed over secret weapons belonging to Hidma and Budse Sukka.

Under the central and state government rehabilitation policy, the 20 surrendered Maoists will receive a total of ₹1.82 crore, including rewards announced on them. The Telangana Police assured that all eligible benefits would be provided immediately and that necessary security arrangements would be made to help them lead a dignified and peaceful life.