Rs 1 crore rewardee Rupesh and Rs 25 lakh bounty holder Chaitu, implicated in the attack that killed top Congress brass, were prominent. Having surrendered in Jagdalpur three months prior, they joined others in witnessing assembly debates, question sessions, and political sparring.

CM Vishnu Dev Sai extended a heartfelt invitation to embrace mainstream life, vowing comprehensive support for their transition. The group absorbed the session’s energy, a stark contrast to their past lives of secrecy and strife.

The night before, at Deputy CM Vijay Sharma’s home in Nava Raipur, the ex-Naxals enjoyed a hospitable reception. Flowers rained down, dinners were shared, and candid conversations flowed. Sharma patiently heard personal narratives, resolved immediate issues, and mapped out future pathways, strengthening faith in state machinery.

Entering the assembly under tight security the next morning, their enthusiasm was palpable. This gesture reflects deepening confidence in rehabilitation programs. As these former foes observe governance up close, Chhattisgarh edges closer to eradicating Naxal menace through empathy and opportunity rather than just enforcement.

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.

The gunfight took place at around 8 am in a forest along the border of Dantewada and Bijapur districts when a team of security personnel was out on an anti-Naxalite operation, Superintendent of Police Gaurav Rai said.

Personnel belonging to the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Bastar Fighters, both units of the state police, were involved in the operation launched on the basis of inputs anout the presence of Maoists in forests of Girsapara, Nelgoda, Bodga and Ikeli villages under Geedam police station limits, he said.

After the exchange of fire stopped, bodies of three male Naxalites were recovered from the site, the official said.

An Insas rifle, a 303 rifle, explosive materials and items of daily use were also recovered from the spot, he said.

Prima facie, one of the three Naxalites killed in the gunfight, identified as Sudhir alias Sudhakar alias Murli, resident of Warangal in Telangana, was active as a member of Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee – the strongest formation of Maoists, the official said.

He was carrying a bounty of Rs 25 lakh, the official said.

The identity of the two other cadres was yet to be ascertained, he said.

Search operation was still underway in the area, he added.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently said the Narendra Modi government is moving forward with a ruthless approach against Naxalites and is adopting a zero-tolerance policy against those Maoists who have not surrendered despite facilities being offered to them, ranging from surrender to inclusion.

He said the country will be Naxal-free by March 31, 2026.

On March 20, security forces gunned down 30 Naxalites in two encounters in Bijapur and Kanker districts of the state.

With the latest action, 116 Naxalites have been gunned down in separate encounters in the state so far this year. Of them, 100 were killed in the Bastar division comprising seven districts, including Bijapur and Dantewada.