Chhattisgarh: 30 Maoists surrender in Bijapur; carried ₹81 lakh combined bounty

Since January this year, 307 Maoists have surrendered in Bijapur, while 331 have been arrested and 132 killed in encounters

Updated on: Aug 27, 2025, 19:05:03 IST

By Ritesh Mishra

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Raipur: Thirty Maoists carrying a combined bounty of ₹81 lakh, including a sub-division bureau in-charge and area committee members, surrendered in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district on Wednesday, police said.

The surrendered cadres include Divisional Committee Member (DVCM)–ranked sub-division bureau in-charge Sonu Hemla alias Koroti, who laid down arms along with his wife.

Among others are members of Company Number 2, Area Committee Members (ACMs), platoon party members, area committee cadres, People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) fighters, Chetna Natya Manch (CNM) and Dandakaranya Adivasi Kisan Mazdur Sangathan (DAKMS) workers, militia platoon members, and Jantana Sarkar functionaries. “Twenty of them carried rewards ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹8 lakh,” an officer said.

Also Read: Maoists admit to losses, call for flexible war amid target to eliminate Maoism

“The cadres cited disillusionment with Maoist ideology, frustration with internal disputes, and a desire to lead a safe family life as reasons for surrender. Development activities in interior villages, new security camps, and outreach under the government’s rehabilitation policy and Niyad Nellanar scheme also played a role,” the officer added.

Since January this year, 307 Maoists have surrendered in Bijapur, while 331 have been arrested and 132 killed in encounters. Since January 2024, the overall figures in the district stand at 496 surrenders, 834 arrests, and 190 deaths in encounters.

Also read: Maoists admit to losses, 350 cadres killed last year

Each surrendered cadre was given a cheque of ₹50,000 as an incentive under the state government’s rehabilitation policy. They will be provided assistance for education, employment, and social reintegration.

Superintendent of police of Bijapur Jitendra Kumar Yadav appealed to other Maoists to follow suit and surrender.

“The government’s rehabilitation policy is attracting cadres. Families of surrendered Maoists also want them to live a normal life. I urge others to give up misleading ideologies and return to the mainstream,” the SP said.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ritesh Mishra
Ritesh Mishra is the State Correspondent for Chhattisgarh with Hindustan Times. He reports on Maoism, internal security, politics, mining, governance, and major developments shaping the state. Based in Raipur, he has covered Chhattisgarh since 2016, reporting extensively from the Bastar region and other conflict-affected areas. With nearly two decades of experience in journalism, Ritesh has built a reputation for ground reporting from some of India's most challenging terrains. His coverage spans Left-Wing Extremism, counter-insurgency operations, elections, tribal affairs, environmental issues, infrastructure, mining, and socio-economic developments. He has reported on major security operations, policy initiatives, wildlife crime, and the changing dynamics of conflict and development in Central India. Before moving to Chhattisgarh, Ritesh spent eight years reporting from Madhya Pradesh, covering politics, administration, crime, development, and social issues. Throughout his career, he has reported on various forms of extremism in Central India, combining field reporting with in-depth analysis to produce accurate, balanced, and impactful journalism. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Ritesh worked with The Pioneer and The Free Press Journal, where he covered a wide range of beats and honed his skills in political, investigative, and field reporting. His reporting is marked by exclusive stories, extensive fieldwork, and a commitment to factual, on-the-ground journalism that brings complex issues to a wider audience.Read More

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