In a major offensive against Maoist insurgents, four Naxalites were arrested in Sukma with explosive materials, while three rebels surrendered in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh, police reported on Thursday.

Security forces nabbed the four insurgents—Rava Hadma (28), Vetti Aayta (30), Barse Bheema (25), and Madkam Kosa (42)—near Ravguda village in Chintalnar while they were allegedly planning an IED attack on patrolling personnel. A joint team of the CRPF’s 74th battalion and district police carried out the operation. Seized items included 15 gelatin rods, multiple detonators, cordex wire, a command switch, and Maoist pamphlets.

During interrogation, the arrested Maoists confessed they intended to plant explosives on security routes to target forces, a police officer stated.

Meanwhile, in Bijapur, three Maoists laid down arms, including two with bounties totaling ₹2 lakh. Lakkhu Karam alias Gunda, Sukhram Awalam, and Narsu Boddu alias Neti surrendered. Karam was the DAKMS president under the Pidiya Revolutionary Party Committee, while Awalam headed the Jantana Sarkar, and Neti was a Platoon Deputy Commander.

Authorities revealed that so far in 2025, 45 Maoists have surrendered, 56 have been killed, and 119 have been arrested in Bijapur, part of the volatile Bastar division.