In a significant breakthrough, Maoist leader Katehonda Ravi has turned himself in to authorities in Karnataka, according to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).

Expressing his satisfaction, CM Siddaramaiah announced that Ravi, the final underground Naxalite, surrendered at Nemmar Forest Inspection Bungalow, four kilometers from Sringeri in Chikkamagaluru district. Authorities are now escorting him to Chikkamagaluru to finalize the legal procedures.

Officials further confirmed that long-absconding Naxal Thombattu Lakshmi is expected to surrender on February 2, either in Chikkamagaluru or Udupi. She is currently en route to the designated location.

With this, the government has declared the surrender mission successfully concluded. In recognition of the relentless efforts of the 22-member police team that executed the operation, CM Siddaramaiah has announced the Chief Minister’s Medal.

On January 8, during an earlier surrender event, Siddaramaiah welcomed defecting Maoists into mainstream society with roses and copies of the Indian Constitution in Bengaluru. With six key Maoist figures laying down arms, the Congress government had already declared Karnataka free of Left-Wing Extremism.

Among those who surrendered were Mundagaru Latha, Vanajakshi, Sundari, Marappa Jayanna Aroli, Vasantha T. (alias Ramesh), and N. Jeesha. The CM emphasized his government’s commitment to resolving grievances through legal means, reiterating that armed rebellion has no place in a democracy.

Meanwhile, Karnataka BJP chief B.Y. Vijayendra dismissed the surrenders as mere political theatrics.