Lakshmi, believed to be the last Maoist in Karnataka, surrendered unconditionally on Sunday in the presence of Udupi Deputy Commissioner Vidya Kumari and Superintendent of Police Arun K.

According to police, Lakshmi, who had been in hiding in Andhra Pradesh, is involved in three cases filed at Amasebail and Shankaranarayana police stations in Kundapur Taluk, Udupi district. These cases, dating back to 2007-2008, involve an exchange of fire with police, assault, and the distribution of Maoist literature in villages and small towns.

Lakshmi originally hails from Thombattu, Machchattu village in Kundapura taluk. She had cut ties with her family 15 years ago and went underground, continuing to promote the Maoist agenda in Chikkamagaluru and Udupi districts.

Accompanied by Sripal from the State Naxal Surrender Committee and her husband Salim, a former Maoist who surrendered in 2020, Lakshmi made her decision to surrender after hearing about the state government’s surrender protocol and package. Despite previous attempts, her surrender was not facilitated until the formation of the surrender committee.

Expressing gratitude for the support, Lakshmi thanked Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for the generous surrender package and appealed to the district administration to drop the charges against her.

Deputy Commissioner Vidya Kumari confirmed that Lakshmi qualifies for the ‘A’ category under the surrender package, which entitles her to Rs 7 lakh. The package will be distributed over three years, along with additional rehabilitation support, including education, employment, and other facilities based on the surrendered individual’s capacity.

Sripal from the Surrender Committee highlighted that 22 Naxals have surrendered in 2025 alone, and with Lakshmi’s surrender, Karnataka is officially declared “Naxal-free.” Following the recent surrender of Kotehanda Ravindra in Chikkamagaluru, the Chief Minister’s Office had issued a statement to affirm the achievement.

Sripal also called for Naxals from Karnataka and Kerala to face trial in a unified court, recommending options in Shivamogga, Udupi, Chikkamagaluru, or even the NIA court in Bengaluru.

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