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.

Senior police brass, including DIG Rakesh Kumar and STF head Sanjay Kumar Singh, oversaw the proceedings alongside DM Nikhil Dhanraj. The haul included an AK-47 rifle, an AK-56, two INSAS guns, and hundreds of cartridges—testimony to Koda’s firepower during his long reign of terror across 60-odd cases.

What broke the Naxals’ grip? Intensified operations since last year, marked by multiple surrenders and encounters. The Rajasrai clash was a turning point, scattering Koda’s team and isolating him. Earlier defections in July and December signaled the network’s collapse under pressure from security forces.

State policy rewards such capitulations generously: Rs 3 lakh bounty payout, Rs 5 lakh bonus, vocational training, jobs, and rehab support await Koda as he pledges a peaceful life. He publicly begged forgiveness, raising cheers for the STF and disavowing his violent past.

Villagers like nephew Ranjan Koda celebrate the end of fear, pointing to booming development and job programs as the real game-changers for youth. Administration hails the milestone but warns complacency is the enemy—continuous patrols, investments, and community ties will safeguard the fragile peace.

The surrender was facilitated by the ‘Poona Margem’ initiative, a program designed to encourage rehabilitation and the social reintegration of former Naxal cadres. Police Superintendent Gaurav Rai confirmed that the group comprised 12 women, underscoring the initiative’s broad appeal and inclusive strategy. This initiative aims to foster lasting peace, respect, and development in the region.

Among the surrendered, several high-profile Naxals were identified, including Kumali alias Anita Mandavi, Geeta alias Laxmi Madkam, Ranjan alias Soma Mandavi, and Bhima alias Jahaj Kalmu. Each of these individuals reportedly carried an individual bounty of Rs 8 lakh, highlighting their former roles within the Naxal hierarchy.

Under the state government’s comprehensive rehabilitation policy, every surrendering cadre receives immediate financial assistance of Rs 50,000. Furthermore, they are provided with access to skill development training, agricultural land, and other essential support mechanisms to aid their transition back into mainstream society. This policy is crucial for ensuring their successful reintegration and preventing a return to their former activities.

Authorities have noted a considerable increase in such surrenders. In the past 20 months alone, over 500 Maoists, including 165 individuals with declared bounties, have chosen to abandon their armed struggle and rejoin society. The Bastar Range Police’s proactive approach, spearheaded by initiatives like ‘Poona Margem’, is proving instrumental in this peace-building effort. The national goal to eradicate Naxalism by March 2026 continues to drive these state and central government efforts.

Senior police and CRPF officers received the surrendered cadres. The group comprised 12 women, demonstrating the initiative’s broad appeal and inclusive strategy. Notable figures among the surrendering Naxals included Kumali alias Anita Mandavi, Geeta alias Laxmi Madkam, Ranjan alias Soma Mandavi, and Bhima alias Jahaj Kalmu. Each of these key individuals was previously associated with an Rs 8 lakh bounty.

The Chhattisgarh government’s rehabilitation policy offers substantial support to those who choose to lay down arms. Surrendering individuals receive an immediate sum of Rs 50,000, along with access to skill development training, agricultural land, and various other resources aimed at fostering their successful reintegration into society. This comprehensive approach is proving effective in dismantling extremist networks.

Authorities view the Bastar Range Police’s ‘Poona Margem’ initiative as a crucial step towards achieving lasting peace, promoting respect for law, and driving development in the Naxal-affected areas. In the last 20 months alone, over 500 Maoists, including 165 with prior bounties, have voluntarily surrendered and returned to mainstream life. These efforts are crucial as the national objective to eradicate Naxalism by March 2026 intensifies.

Among the prominent figures who laid down arms were Kumali alias Anita Mandavi, Geeta alias Laxmi Madkam, Ranjan alias Soma Mandavi, and Bhima alias Jahaj Kalmu. Each of these key cadres was previously marked with an Rs 8 lakh bounty, signifying their importance within the Naxal hierarchy.

The Chhattisgarh government’s rehabilitation policy offers substantial support to those who choose to leave the armed struggle. Surrendering individuals receive an immediate payment of Rs 50,000, alongside access to skill development training, agricultural land, and comprehensive assistance for their return to mainstream society. Police officials noted that the “Poona Margem” initiative, driven by the Bastar Range Police, is proving instrumental in fostering lasting peace, respect, and development in the Naxal-affected regions.

This recent surrender adds to a growing trend, with over 500 Maoists, including 165 with bounties, having surrendered in the past 20 months alone. The broader impact is even more substantial, with more than 2,200 Naxals, including high-ranking leaders, surrendering in Chhattisgarh over the last 23 months. These efforts align with the central government’s ambitious target to eradicate Naxalism nationwide by March 2026.

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.