IN a major breakthrough for security forces engaged in anti-Maoist operations in Chhattisgarh, notorious Maoist commander Paparao, carrying a bounty of Rs 25 lakh, surrendered along with 12 of his associates before senior police officials on Tuesday evening in Farsegarh village of Bijapur district. The surrender of Paparao, who is believed to be the key conspirator behind two of the deadliest Maoist attacks in Bastar, marks a significant development in the State’s intensified drive to eliminate Left-wing extremism. According to official sources, Paparao laid down arms along with his cadres in the forested belt near the Indravati National Park, ending years of evasion despite sustained operations by security forces. He was immediately taken into protective custody.ve custody. If sources are to be believed, Paparao and his associates had been escorted under tight security from Farsegarh to Jagdalpur. He is expected to be formally presented before senior police and intelligence officials on Wednesday, where detailed interrogation will be carried out. Authorities expect to gather crucial inputs on Maoist leadership structures, operational strategies, and network linkages in the Bastar region. Notably, Paparao has long been associated with two of the most brutal Maoist strikes in the country. On April 6, 2010, Maoists ambushed security personnel near Tadmetla village in Sukma district, killing 76 personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in one of the deadliest attacks in India’s internal security history.

 

He is also believed to have played a central role in the May 25, 2013 Jhiram Ghati massacre in Bastar district, where Maoists targeted a Congress party convoy in Darbha Valley, resulting in the deaths of more than 25 people, including several senior political leaders. Both incidents had drawn nationwide condemnation and intensified counter-insurgency measures in the region. Sources indicate that there had been growing intelligence inputs over the past few weeks suggesting the possibility of Paparao’s surrender, particularly in the backdrop of intensified operations aimed at making Chhattisgarh Maoist-free by March 31. Tuesday’s development is being seen as a direct outcome of sustained pressure exerted by security forces and possible internal strain within Maoist ranks. Senior officials believe that Paparao’s surrender could deal a psychological and operational setback to Maoist formations in south Bastar. His knowledge of terrain, command structure, and past operations is expected to significantly aid ongoing counter-insurgency efforts. The news of the surrender spread rapidly across Bastar, triggering widespread public interest and discussion. In Jagdalpur, there is visible curiosity among residents, with many expected to gather on Wednesday as the surrendered commander is brought before authorities. Security experts view this as one of the most important surrenders in recent years, underlining a shifting momentum in favour of the State forces. It is also expected to encourage further surrenders from within Maoist ranks in the coming days. With this development, the State’s campaign against Left-wing extremism appears to have gained renewed traction, reinforcing hopes of restoring lasting peace and stability in the conflict-affected Bastar region.