Top Maoist leaders surrender in Telangana

In a major breakthrough for Telangana police, two senior leaders of the banned CPI (Maoist) party have surrendered after spending decades underground. One of them is a Central Committee member, making the development highly significant. Telangana DGP B. Shivadher Reddy announced the details at a press conference held in Hyderabad on Tuesday, stating that both leaders have decided to abandon the Maoist movement and join mainstream society.

The key surrendered leaders:

P. Prasad Rao (64), also known as Chandranna: A native of Peddapalli district, Chandranna was a Central Committee member of the CPI (Maoist). He had been underground for nearly 45 years. He first became involved in left-wing activities in 1979 while studying intermediate, joining the Radical Students Union. A reward of ₹25 lakh had been announced for his capture.

Bandi Prakash, alias Prabhat: Hailing from Mancherial district, Prabhat was a member of the Telangana State Committee of the Maoist party and had been living underground for around 42 years. He joined the Radical Youth League of the CPI (ML) People’s War in 1983 and later worked as the in-charge of the party’s press team, releasing media statements under the name “Prabhat.” He carried a reward of ₹20 lakh.

Reasons behind the surrender

DGP Shivadher Reddy said the two senior leaders responded positively to the government’s appeal to return to normal life. They have also received their reward money, along with rehabilitation benefits under the Telangana government’s surrender and reintegration policy.

He added that the surrender came in response to the recent appeal made by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on October 21, urging Maoists to lay down arms and participate in the state’s development.

According to the police, health issues, constant pressure from security forces, ideological differences, and internal divisions within the leadership were key factors that pushed the two leaders to give up the movement.

Current Maoist presence in Telangana

At present, around 64 Maoists from Telangana remain active, including nine state committee members. Most of the others are believed to be operating in neighboring Chhattisgarh. Out of the nine CPI (Maoist) Central Committee members, five are said to be from Telangana.

The DGP once again appealed to remaining Maoist cadres to return to their villages, reunite with their families, and contribute to Telangana’s progress. He assured full protection, financial support, and rehabilitation for anyone who chooses to surrender, promising them a peaceful and dignified new life.

Calling this a “moral victory” for the Telangana Police’s comprehensive strategy against Maoist insurgency, the DGP revealed that 427 Maoist members have surrendered so far this year, including two Central Committee and eight State Committee members.