In a major blow to Maoist insurgency in Chhattisgarh, 22 cadres—including six women and four with bounties totaling ₹26 lakh—surrendered before security forces in Bijapur district. This mass surrender came just a day after 26 Maoists laid down arms in Dantewada, indicating a significant shift in the region’s conflict dynamics.

The surrender took place in the presence of senior police and CRPF officials. According to Bijapur SP Jitendra Kumar Yadav, the cadres expressed discontent with Maoist ideology, internal divisions, and the harsh treatment within the outfit. Many also cited inspiration from the state’s Niyad Nellanar development scheme as a reason for their decision to return to the mainstream.

Among the top names were Kamli Hemla (32) from PLGA Battalion No. 1 and Muya Madvi (19), linked to the Telangana State Committee—both carried ₹8 lakh bounties. Others included Sonu Tati (28), a press team commander, and Mahesh Punem, a PLGA cadre from Bhairamgarh—each with a ₹5 lakh reward.

Each surrendering individual received ₹50,000 in immediate aid under the state’s rehabilitation policy.

So far in 2024, Bijapur has seen 179 surrenders, 83 Maoists killed, and 172 arrested. In the broader Bastar region, that number climbs to 792 surrenders this year, showing a deepening fissure in the Maoist network.