In a significant development in the fight against extremism, seventeen Maoists, including eleven men and six women from neighboring Chhattisgarh, surrendered to the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Telangana’s Bhadradri Kothagudem district on Friday, May 30. Among those who laid down arms were two senior cadre members serving as Area Committee Members (ACMs), according to Bhadradri Kothagudem Superintendent of Police (SP) Rohit Raj. The surrender was carried out under the Telangana government’s “Operation Cheyutha,” a rehabilitation initiative aimed at encouraging Maoists to give up arms and reintegrate into society.
As a gesture of immediate support, the police provided each surrendered Maoist with a cheque of ₹25,000. This marks a continuing trend of reintegration, as the state intensifies efforts to curb left-wing extremism through dialogue and rehabilitation. Since January 2025, a total of 282 Maoists have surrendered to the police in Telangana, a record that underscores the growing effectiveness of Operation Cheyutha. The SP emphasized that the operation seeks to provide ex-rebels a chance to lead peaceful lives with their families, away from violence and underground activity.
Earlier this month, on May 9, another major surrender took place when 38 Maoist-linked individuals—comprising party members, militia personnel, village committee members (VCMs), Krantikari Adivasi Mahila Sangathan (KAMS) members, and Chetna Natya Manch (CNM) artists—turned themselves in to the Bhadradri Kothagudem police. The increasing number of surrenders reflects a shift in mindset among Maoist operatives, who are choosing to abandon armed struggle for stability and social inclusion. Authorities remain optimistic that continued implementation of welfare-driven initiatives will further weaken extremist influence in the region.
