Hailing from Peddapalli, Devji rose through the ranks to become a central committee member after assuming leadership post the elimination of predecessor Basavaraju in Chhattisgarh last year. His surrender, prompted by DGP B. Shivdhar Reddy’s personal outreach last month, highlights the effectiveness of Telangana’s surrender policy.

The DGP’s message was clear: abandon the underground life for village comforts, backed by government rehabilitation promises. This aligns with the year’s impressive tally of 576 Maoist surrenders, reflecting sustained police initiatives.

Recent arrests of Devji’s protectors in Andhra Pradesh, following deadly encounters with commanders Hidma and Tek Shankar, likely accelerated his decision. Official word on the surrender is pending, but a media parade is slated for Monday.

Devji ranked among India’s most sought-after insurgents, part of 17 Telangana figures embedded in Maoist hierarchies nationwide. His exit disrupts command chains and operational capabilities in the Red Corridor.

As authorities prepare to showcase the group, emphasis shifts to rehabilitation—offering stipends, skill development, and community reintegration. This strategic win bolsters morale among security personnel and civilians weary of violence.

Experts predict a domino effect, with more mid-level cadres contemplating surrender amid shrinking safe havens and logistical strains. Telangana’s model of combining kinetic operations with persuasive counseling could inspire similar efforts elsewhere, paving the way for Naxal-free zones.

Leading the hit list are Misir Besra (Bhaskar), Devji (Kumbha Dada/Chetan), Ramanna (Ganapati/Laxman Rao), and Malla Raja Reddy (Sagar). Intelligence breakthroughs have funneled operations to the Chhattisgarh-Telangana frontier, where Devji and Kesa Sodhi were recently spotted.

Tuesday’s launch of a massive search-and-neutralize mission highlights the urgency. While Reddy lurks in Odisha, the trio remains entrenched in the borderlands, directing attacks and recruitment. Authorities emphasize that non-surrender means certain confrontation in the escalating offensives.

Remarkable strides have been made: the Home Ministry reported in October 2025 that most-affected districts are down to three in Chhattisgarh—Bijapur, Sukma, Narayanpur. Overall LWE-impacted areas fell from 18 to 11, a testament to relentless pressure.

Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the resolve is ironclad to eliminate Naxalism by the deadline. This involves not just kinetic actions but also rehabilitation for surrenderees and infrastructure boosts in red corridors. The strategy blends force with development, steadily reclaiming territory.

As drones, intel networks, and elite commandos converge, the Maoist hierarchy crumbles. The impending neutralization of these top commanders could trigger a domino effect, accelerating surrenders and dismantling the insurgency’s core.

Reddy pointed to remarkable achievements: in just two years, 588 Maoist leaders and cadres from different organizational ranks have surrendered, thanks to sustained police operations and proactive state policies. These individuals now thrive in their villages, enjoying peace and security with loved ones.

The DGP detailed how participants have reaped full benefits from the surrender policy, with the government pledging sustained support for their well-being. This model’s triumph has motivated insurgents from adjacent regions to follow suit, approaching Telangana authorities for peaceful assimilation.

‘Demonstrating the policy’s trustworthiness and impact,’ the statement noted. In this vein, Reddy issued a renewed invitation to remaining underground figures, specifically naming the 15 active cadres in Telangana state.

Assurances abound for swift aid upon surrender, aligned with established protocols. The administration stands ready to facilitate seamless reintegration, fostering lives of respect and autonomy in hometowns.

Telangana Police advocates dialogue over confrontation in evolving security landscapes. The chief called on holdouts to acknowledge realities, reconnect with kin, and play constructive roles in the state’s growth trajectory, backed by firm governmental guarantees.

Originating from Giridih, Anl Da’s reign of terror began in 1987 in Piratand police station limits. By 2000, he controlled swathes of Tundi and Topchanchi. Post-2000, operations shifted to Bihar’s Jamui, where he faced brief custody. Renowned as the outfit’s master planner, he was linked to every major IED explosion in Chaibasa over the last three years.

Key atrocities define his legacy. The 2005 Giridih Home Guard arsenal raid claimed four lives and yielded massive weaponry hauls. 2006 Bokaro CISF barracks assault resulted in seven casualties. From hill ambushes in 2018 killing CoBRA forces, to 2019 IED strikes wounding dozens, Anl Da’s tactics sowed fear.

He directed the brutal Kukdu Haat ambush, executing five officers. Election-time bombings in 2019, patrols targeted in 2020, and the deadly 2021 Lonji pipe bomb that felled three JJ members marked his pattern. His final act involved pilfering explosives in Odisha just months ago.

In a press conference, top brass detailed Operation Megaburu, celebrating the elimination of this top fugitive. With Jharkhand intensifying anti-Naxal drives, surrenders are now called for, promising safer futures for tribal heartlands ravaged by decades of violence.

Officials stated that the surrendered cadres were influenced by the Chhattisgarh government’s effective new surrender and rehabilitation policy. Additionally, the ‘Poona Margham’ initiative, a rehabilitation drive by the Bastar range police aimed at social reintegration, played a crucial role in their decision to abandon violence. Many expressed a desire for a dignified and secure life within the constitutional framework.

A substantial number, 39 out of the 41 individuals, were reportedly part of the Maoist’s south sub-zonal bureau. Their affiliations extended to key operational units like the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee, the Telangana State Committee, and divisions covering Dhamtari, Gariaband, and Nuapada.

Among the surrendered, nine individuals carried individual bounties of Rs 8 lakh each. Several others had bounties ranging from Rs 5 lakh, Rs 2 lakh, to Rs 1 lakh, underscoring their former roles within the Naxalite hierarchy.

Since January 2024, Bijapur district has witnessed a considerable number of Maoists quitting violence. With this latest group, the total number of cadres joining the mainstream has reached 790. This contrasts with the 202 Maoists killed and 1,031 arrested in the same period. Authorities are encouraging remaining insurgents to embrace peace and reintegration.

The Maoist organization offered peace talks with the government. Despite the initiative for talks, the government intensified arrests and actions, and thousands of activists were detained. Crackdowns on the leaders of the movement are also underway.

In May 2025, 28 prominent Maoists, including the general secretary, were captured. The two-page statement, issued on August 15, by the spokesperson of the Maoist Central Committee, Abhay, came nearly four months after the killing of the banned CPI (Maoist) General Secretary Nambala Keshav Rao alias Basavaraju in an encounter with security forces in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh on May 21.

Regarding the statement, Deputy Chief Minister of the state Vijay Sharma said that the authenticity of the statement is being investigated, and the best way for the Maoists is to surrender and avail of rehabilitation benefits. Vijay Sharma also holds the Home Department. Sharma said that the term ‘ceasefire’ is highly objectionable because there is no situation like war that would necessitate it. In a democracy, talks cannot be conditional; nevertheless, they have once again laid down preconditions.

He said that after the statement is confirmed, discussions will be held within the government. In the statement, the Maoists said that they had previously proposed a ceasefire to the government and sought a month’s time to consult with the top leadership of the organization. However, unfortunately, the central government did not show a favorable attitude towards this, but rather intensified its activities.

The Maoists said in their alleged statement, “In order to take forward the peace talks process initiated on the initiative of our party’s esteemed General Secretary (Basavaraju, who was killed in the encounter), we are clarifying that, considering the changing world and country conditions, apart from the requests being made by the Prime Minister and Home Minister of the country to senior police officers to leave arms and join the mainstream, we have decided to lay down arms. We have decided to temporarily halt the armed struggle.”

The alleged statement also stated, “We are also ready to exchange ideas with the government on this subject primarily through video calls. Therefore, we are once again clarifying that the government should proceed with the peace talks process by formally declaring a ceasefire for a month and stopping search operations.” The statement also said that it was issued late for several reasons.

Reacting to the statement, Inspector General of Police of the Bastar region, Sundarraj P, said that the police have taken cognizance of a press release issued by the CPI (Maoist) Central Committee regarding the possibility of laying down arms and peace talks. He said that the authenticity of the release is being confirmed, and its contents are being carefully examined. He further added that any decision on talks or contact with the CPI (Maoist) is entirely the government’s, which will be taken after proper consideration and assessment of the situation and circumstances.