Senior Maoist leader with ₹8 lakh bounty surrenders in Chhattisgarh’s Kanker

The cadre, identified as Mallesh, reached the Chhotebethiya camp of the Border Security Force (BSF) and laid down arms on Wednesday night

Published on: Feb 25, 2026, 10:44:04 IST

By Ritesh Mishra

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A senior Maoist cadre surrendered before security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Kanker district late on Wednesday night, officials said on Thursday.

Police said Mallesh was a divisional committee member (DVCM) in the Maoist organisation. (Sourced HT photo)

The cadre, identified as Mallesh, reached the Chhotebethiya camp of the Border Security Force (BSF) and laid down arms on Wednesday night. He was carrying an AK-47 rifle at the time of surrender.

Police said Mallesh was a divisional committee member (DVCM) in the Maoist organisation and had been active for years in the Abujhmad region of Bastar region.

Officials described him as one of the last remaining commanders active in Abujhmad. He was carrying a bounty of ₹8 lakh.

Also Read: Devji’s surrender dealt death blow to Maoists: T’gana DGP

Abujhmad is a vast, forested and hilly region spread across parts of Narayanpur, Bijapur and Dantewada districts in south Chhattisgarh which is known for its difficult terrain and limited road connectivity, the area has long been considered a stronghold of Maoist activities and one of the most challenging operational zones for security forces.

A senior district police officer said a few other Maoists who were close to Mallesh are also willing to surrender.

“The official announcement will be made once the process involving them is completed,” the officer said.

Officials said the formal surrender process in Mallesh’s case is underway and he is being questioned to gather information about the outfit’s structure and operational network in the region.

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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