Senior Maoist leader surrenders in Telangana

 

 

 

 

In a major setback for the Maoist movement, Sujatha alias Kalpana, a senior Central Committee member of the banned CPI (Maoist) organization, has surrendered to authorities in Telangana.

 

The surrender is seen as a blow to the outfit’s operations in the Dandakaranya region, reflecting a growing crisis of confidence among its ranks. Sujatha, who held a reward of Rs 40 lakh on her head and was wanted in over 72 cases across Bastar, was in charge of the South Sub-zonal Bureau of the Dandakarnya Special Zonal Committee.

 

Her decision to lay down arms is the result of relentless and coordinated operations by Bastar Police, Central Armed Police Forces, and intelligence agencies. Inspector General of Police, Bastar Range, Sundarraj Pattlingam, stated that the surrender is an “acknowledgment of the futility of continuing violence” in the face of a robust, multi-pronged counter-Maoist strategy. This strategy combines aggressive policing with a strong government focus on development and welfare programs, which have successfully eroded the Maoists’ influence and support base.

 

In recent months, the Maoists have suffered successive setbacksin Chhattisgarh, including the neutralization of key leaders, large-scale seizures of weapons and explosives, and the dismantling of hideouts.

 

These operations have denied the group space to regroup and have forced its top leadership to lose faith in the movement’s future. IGP Pattlingam has appealed to all remaining cadres and leaders to surrender and join the mainstream, stating that this is the only option left for them to build a secure and prosperous future for the people of the region. Sujatha’s surrender is a clear indication that the pressure on the Maoist leadership is mounting, and their ability to operate is severely compromised.