Mahasamund district in Chhattisgarh witnessed a landmark event as 15 Maoists surrendered with their sophisticated arms on Saturday, marking a pivotal moment in the state’s anti-Naxal campaign. Nine of the surrenderers were women, highlighting the inclusive impact of rehabilitation drives.
Operating in the sensitive Odisha-Chhattisgarh border zone under the Balangir-Bargarh-Mahasamund outfit, these rebels deposited three AK-47s, two SLRs, and two INSAS rifles. Their total reward money stood at approximately Rs 73 lakh, underscoring their high-value status in Naxal hierarchies.
Home Minister Vijay Sharma announced the news on X, posting photos and praising the surrender of Vikas alias Babanna, a prominent state committee operative. He attributed the success to the state government’s proactive policies under PM Modi’s vision and Amit Shah’s leadership, which have restored faith among alienated youth.
The minister detailed how sustained security operations, infrastructure development in hinterlands, and generous rehabilitation packages convinced the group to abandon violence. “They have embraced the Constitution and the tricolor,” Sharma noted, vowing full assistance for their societal reintegration.
Comprising divisional, area, and party cadres from the BBM division, this batch adds to the growing tally of defections. Chhattisgarh police have observed a surge in surrenders post-2024, with thousands returning to civilian life.
With the 2026 Naxal-free deadline approaching, events like this signal accelerating progress. Security experts view it as evidence that a multi-pronged strategy—combining force, development, and reform—is dismantling the Maoist network from within.