86 Maoists Surrender In Bhadradri Kothagudem

Eighty-six members of the banned CPI (Maoist) party today surrendered before the IGP, Multi Zone-I, in Bhadradri Kothagudem district.

The surrendered cadres belonged to various Maoist formations, and included four Area Committee Members (ACMs), 5 party members, 8 members of the RPC Committee, 27 from the RPC Militia, 20 from RPC DAKMS/KMS, 13 from RPC CNM and 9 from RPC GRD.

As per reports, they chose to renounce violence and join the mainstream, influenced by the Telangana police department's Operation Cheyutha - a rehabilitation initiative for surrendered Maoists and welfare schemes for tribal (Adivasi) communities.

According to the police, the surrendered members realised that the CPI (Maoist) was operating on an outdated ideology, and had lost the trust and support of local tribal communities. Recent incidents - such as a tribal woman from the Rampur village losing her leg, and another woman from the Sodipara village dying due to Maoist activities - had further alienated the group. Maoists were accused of obstructing development in agency areas and instilling fear among innocent tribal people, believing that the group's survival depended on keeping these areas underdeveloped, the police said.

So far this year, 224 Maoists of various ranks are said to have surrendered, drawn by the government's surrender policy and developmental programs targeting migrant tribal populations in Maoist-affected areas. These programs, implemented by the district police, offer livelihood and rehabilitation support for those leaving the Maoist fold.

The police department has appealed to the remaining Maoist cadres too to surrender and lead peaceful lives. They are being encouraged to contact the nearby police stations or district officials - either in person or through family members. Authorities said that all surrendering members would receive full benefits for rehabilitation and livelihood support. Top cadres of Telangana origin will also receive additional monetary assistance to help them reintegrate into the society.