In a landmark development that could signal the twilight of Maoist insurgency in central India, over 150 armed Naxals from the Indravati and Maad divisions crossed the Indravati River under heavy security escort to surrender in Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh.
Led by Central Committee member Rupesh, this mass capitulation is being hailed as the largest-ever Naxal surrender in the region’s history.
Police and Border Security Force (BSF) personnel have deployed stringent security measures along the Malkangiri-Chhattisgarh border, transforming the area into a fortress. The Naxals, carrying weapons, assembled at the Indravati River bank before proceeding to the Bijapur district police office.
Sources indicate they will be transported by bus to Jagdalpur for formal surrender ceremonies in the presence of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai and Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma.
This dramatic event follows a similar surrender yesterday in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, where 61 Naxals, led by Central Committee member Bhupati alias Venu Gopal, laid down their arms. Bijapur’s surrender marks the first major group capitulation in the district’s history, underscoring the crumbling structure of the Maoist outfit.
Tight security blankets the route from Bheemangad to the Indravati River bank, with no civilians permitted on the roads to prevent any untoward incidents. Separately, intelligence reports suggest additional Naxals have arrived in neighbouring Kanker district, also en route to Jagdalpur for surrender. While exact figures remain fluid, state government sources estimate the total could exceed 170 participants.
Rupesh, a key active leader in the Maad division, carries a government bounty of over ₹50 lakhs on his head. His defection, alongside other senior Central Committee members, is expected to trigger a domino effect. “With top cadres opting out, lower-rank Naxals are losing faith in the jungle life. Eradication of Naxalism from Chhattisgarh is imminent within days,” a senior police official remarked.
The Maoist footprint has shrunk dramatically—from terrorising 126 districts across India a decade ago to a mere 11 today. This surrender not only weakens the insurgents’ operational capacity but also boosts morale among security forces battling the decades-long red corridor conflict.
Rehabilitation programs await the surrendered fighters, including vocational training and financial aid under the state’s surrender policy. As the nation watches, this could be the final nail in the coffin for organised Maoist resistance in the heartland.
