TEN Maoist cadres, including a top senior leader, Chaitu alias Shyam Dada, a member of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC), surrendered on Friday under the state’s “Poona Margem initiative. The high-profile surrender took place at Shaurya Bhavan, Police Coordination Centre, Lalbagh, Jagdalpur. Authorities view this as a major indication that the influence of violent Maoist ideology is rapidly declining in the region.

 

Chaitu alias Shyam Dada, real name Giraddi Pavanand Reddy, aged 63, carries a reward of Rs 25 lakh. A veteran of the conflict, he had been a DKSZC member since 2007 and was currently the in-charge of the Darbha Division. Reddy had joined the CPI (Maoist) in 1985 and was reportedly involved in major attacks, including the 2013 Jhiram Valley ambush.

 

The other nine cadres who surrendered include Saroj alias Malku Sodhi (DVCM, Reward Rs 8 lakh) Six Area Committee Members (ACMs), each carrying a reward of Rs 5 lakh (Bhupesh alias Sanak Ram Furami, Prakash alias Phil Sai Salam, Kamlesh alias Jhitru Yadav, Janni alias Raymati Salam, Santosh alias Sannu Achla, and Ramsheela alias Bukli Salam). Two Party Members (PMs), each with a reward of Rs 1 lakh (Naveen alias Bhaju Salam and Jayati alias Manai Kashyap).

 

The group collectively carried rewards totaling Rs 65 lakh. Inspector General of Police, Bastar Range, Sundarraj Pattilingam, asserted that the voluntary surrender signifies the success of the “Poona Margem” initiative in promoting peace, dignity, and progress. “The surrender of ten Maoist cadres in Jagdalpur, including a senior DKSZC member, indicates that the influence of violent Maoist ideology is rapidly declining,” IG Pattilingam stated. He added that the individuals chose the path of peace and progress by placing trust in the initiative.

 

Superintendent of Police, District Bastar, Shalabh Sinha, confirmed that the rehabilitation programme for these ten cadres was completed today, with all individuals expressing their commitment to join the mainstream and adopt the path of peace, dignity and development. The rehabilitation programme, described by officials as the result of consistent, coordinated efforts by the local community, district administration, Bastar Police, and Central Armed Forces, aims to strengthen public trust and accelerate positive change.

 

The Government of Chhattisgarh, Government of India, Bastar Police, local administration, and security forces reiterated their dedication to ensuring peace, rehabilitation, and inclusive development. IG Pattilingam also noted that senior Maoist leaders, including Politburo member Devji, Central Committee member Ramdar, and DKSZC members Paparao and Deva (Barse Deva), still have the option to renounce violence and return to mainstream society.

 

The ceremony was attended by a host of senior officials, including Bastar Range IG Sundarraj Pattilingam, Bastar SP Shalabh Sinha, DIG Dantewada Kamalochan Keshyap, DIG CRPF Arul Kumar, Collector Bastar Haris S, and SP Dantewada Gaurav Rai.