51 Maoists, including 20 carrying ₹66 lakh bounty, surrender in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur

Since January 2024, a total of 650 Maoists have surrendered in Bijapur district, while 196 have been killed in encounters and 986 arrested in security operations: Police

Published on: Oct 29, 2025, 18:59:42 IST

By Ritesh Mishra

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Raipur: Around 51 Maoists, including 20 carrying a total bounty of ₹66 lakh, surrendered in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district on Wednesday, police said.

The surrenders took place under the ‘Poona Margem, Punarwas se Punarjeevan’ (Rehabilitation for Social Integration) programme. (Representative photo)

Bijapur Superintendent of Police (SP) Jitendra Kumar Yadav said that the Maoist cadres decided to return to the mainstream, saying they were influenced by the state government’s rehabilitation policy and its focus on development and peace in the region.

“Their decision to shun violence marks another significant step in the government’s mission to eradicate Naxalism through dialogue and inclusive growth,” he said.

Also Read: 21 Maoist cadres, including division secretary, surrender in Chhattisgarh’s Kanker

The surrenders took place under the ‘Poona Margem, Punarwas se Punarjeevan’ (Rehabilitation for Social Integration) programme, a key initiative launched by the Bastar Range police to encourage Maoists to join the mainstream.

Among those who surrendered were five members of the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) Battalion No. 01 and Companies 01, 02, and 05; seven members of area committees and platoons; three members of the Local Organisation Squad (LOS); one militia platoon commander; 14 militia platoon members; and 20 lower-rung functionaries.

Also Read: 210 Maoists, including senior leaders, surrender in Chhattisgarh

Since January 2024, a total of 650 Maoists have surrendered in Bijapur district, while 196 have been killed in encounters and 986 arrested in security operations, police officers 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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