In a notable development for Chhattisgarh’s anti-Maoist operations, a committed Maoist couple, with a combined bounty totaling Rs 13 lakh, has surrendered to the district police in Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai. The young couple, both aged 25, decided to lay down their arms, influenced by the Chhattisgarh government’s comprehensive Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy-2025. They were active members of the CPI (Maoist) in the volatile Maad Division of Bastar and the Madhya Pradesh-Maharashtra-Chhattisgarh (MMC) operational zone. Their involvement included recruiting new members and facilitating logistics for Maoist activities in the dense forests near the tri-state border. The male cadre, identified by his alias ‘Munna,’ was a key operative with a Rs 7 lakh reward, and his partner ‘Julie’ carried a Rs 6 lakh bounty. Police leadership views this surrender as a pivotal moment in the fight against Maoist extremism. Superintendent of Police Lakshya Sharma highlighted that the couple was compelled by the continuous pressure from security forces and the attractive prospects offered by the rehabilitation program. They will now participate in mandatory de-radicalisation and skill development courses, receiving immediate financial aid and long-term support for their transition to civilian life. This surrender is part of a larger trend, with over 2,200 Maoist cadres having renounced violence in Chhattisgarh over the last 23 months. This success is attributed to a robust strategy that includes targeted operations, community engagement, and incentives like housing and job training via the ‘Niyad Nellanar’ initiative. The couple’s defection points to growing dissent and a diminishing influence of Maoist ideology.
