The group of 37 comprised 12 women, reflecting the broad appeal and inclusive nature of the surrender initiative. Among the high-profile cadres who laid down arms were Kumali alias Anita Mandavi, Geeta alias Laxmi Madkam, Ranjan alias Soma Mandavi, and Bhima alias Jahaj Kalmu, each previously designated with an Rs 8 lakh bounty. Their surrender represents a major success for law enforcement in the region.

Under the Chhattisgarh government’s progressive rehabilitation policy, each surrendering individual receives immediate financial assistance of Rs 50,000. Further support includes vital skill development training, access to agricultural land, and comprehensive assistance to help them reintegrate successfully into mainstream society. Police officials highlighted that the “Poona Margem” initiative, driven by the Bastar Range Police, is proving instrumental in fostering lasting peace, respect, and development across the affected areas. Over the past 20 months, more than 500 Maoists, including 165 with bounties, have embraced this path back to society. These efforts are part of a larger national agenda, with the central government aiming to eradicate Naxalism by March 2026, having seen over 2,200 Naxals surrender in Chhattisgarh alone in the last 23 months.

Officials attribute this mass surrender to the success of the state government’s proactive development and rehabilitation initiatives. Specifically, the ‘Niyad Nellanar’ (Your Good Village) scheme, which aims to bring essential development projects to remote and conflict-affected areas, has resonated with local populations. Furthermore, the newly introduced surrender-and-rehabilitation policy, along with the ‘Poona Margham’ program designed for the societal reintegration of former Maoists, has provided a credible path forward.

The surrendered group included four hardcore members, such as Divisional Committee member Pandi Dhruv alias Dinesh, and members of Military Company No. 6, Dule Mandavi alias Munni, Chhattis Poyam, and Padni Oyam. Each of these individuals carried a reward of Rs 8 lakh. Several others, including area committee members like Lakhmu Usendi and Sukmati Nureti, also surrendered, with bounties ranging from Rs 5 lakh each.

Three surrendered cadres also handed over valuable weapons, including a Self Loading Rifle (SLR), an INSAS rifle, and a .303 rifle. These individuals will now benefit from the state’s rehabilitation policy, receiving support to rebuild their lives and integrate back into mainstream society. This event marks a major success for law enforcement and development efforts in the region.