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.

The surrendered rebels were primarily associated with the South Sub-Zonal Bureau, with members hailing from crucial committees like the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee, the Telangana State Committee, and divisional units covering Dhamtari, Gariaband, and Nuapada. Officials stated that these cadres surrendered before senior police officers, expressing their desire to embrace a dignified and secure life within the constitutional framework.

Among the 41 individuals, nine carried an individual reward of Rs 8 lakh each. Others had bounties ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. This mass surrender underscores the effectiveness of the ‘Poona Margham’ initiative, a rehabilitation drive by the Bastar range police aimed at reintegrating former Maoists into society. Since January 2024 alone, Bijapur has seen 790 Maoist cadres abandon violence, with a total of over 2,200 surrendering in Chhattisgarh over the past 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.