Telangana police witnessed a landmark moment as high-profile Naxal commander Devji surrendered, throwing his weapons at their feet. Known also as Thippiri Tirupati, Mallav Raju Reddy, Murali, and Sangram, the Maoist mastermind was a prime target with a Rs 1 crore reward. This dramatic surrender in Jagtial district comes amid relentless crackdowns on Naxals operating from Chhattisgarh.
Devji, originally from Telangana, had been a dominant force in Chhattisgarh’s Naxal landscape, especially after the elimination of Basav Raju. He founded the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) and was instrumental in strategic planning for the outlawed outfit. Chhattisgarh Deputy CM Vijay Sharma described it as a ‘historic and decisive event’ in dismantling armed Maoism.
The timing is crucial, aligning with the Centre’s ambitious plan to eliminate Naxalism nationwide by March 31, 2026. Sharma emphasized the state government’s commitment to rehabilitating surrendering Naxals, providing them all necessary support to rejoin society.
Accompanied by other cadres, Devji’s capitulation highlights the effectiveness of joint operations in border regions. Security forces have ramped up offensives, leading to a surge in surrenders. Analysts predict this will inspire more militants to abandon violence, fostering peace in affected areas and enabling socio-economic progress.