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18 Maoists, Including Top Leader Pappa Rao, Surrender in Chhattisgarh

A significant group of 18 Maoist cadres, including senior Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee member Pappa Rao, surrendered to authorities in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region. The surrender, which includes seven female cadres, involves the handing over of weapons like AK-47 rifles. Security officials hail this as a decisive breakthrough that leaves the Naxal outfit effectively leaderless in the region. The government is initiating a formal reintegration process for the cadres who have expressed a willingness to embrace peaceful mainstream life.

Key Points: Top Maoist Leader Pappa Rao Surrenders in Bastar

  • Top Maoist leader surrenders
  • 18 cadres lay down arms
  • 7 female cadres included
  • Bastar moves toward being Naxal-free
2 min read

DKSZC member Pappa Rao, 17 other Maoist cadres surrender in Chhattisgarh

DKSZC member Pappa Rao and 17 other Maoist cadres surrender in Chhattisgarh, marking a major blow to Left Wing Extremism in Bastar.

"marks a decisive breakthrough in our sustained efforts to bring an end to Left Wing Extremism - IG Bastar P Sundarraj"

Bastar, March 25

The surrender of Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee member and South Sub Zonal Bureau in-charge Pappa Rao, along with 17 other Maoist cadres, marks a decisive breakthrough in sustained efforts to bring an end to Left Wing Extremism in the Bastar region, IG Bastar P Sundarraj said on Tuesday.

IG Bastar P Sundarraj informed that the group of 18 Maoist cadres, including DKSZC member Pappa Rao, DVCM (Divisional Committee Member) Prakash Madvi, and DVCM Anil Tatti, has reached out to the government expressing their willingness to shun violence and embrace a peaceful life in the mainstream.

"The surrender of DKSZC member and South Sub Zonal Bureau in-charge Pappa Rao, along with 17 other cadres, marks a decisive breakthrough in our sustained efforts to bring an end to Left Wing Extremism in the region. The group of 18 Maoist cadres, including DKSZC member Pappa Rao, DVCM Prakash Madvi, and DVCM Anil Tatti, has reached out to the government expressing their willingness to shun violence and embrace a peaceful life in the mainstream. As part of the surrender process, they will be handing over AK-47 rifles and other weapons," he said.

He added that out of the 18 surrendered Maoist cadres, 07 are female cadres, and the formal reintegration process of all 18 surrendered cadres will be carried out subsequently.

"Out of the 18 surrendered cadres, 07 are female cadres. The formal reintegration process of all 18 surrendered cadres from the South Sub Zonal Bureau area, including DKSZC member Pappa Rao, will be carried out subsequently," Sundarraj said.

According to IG Bastar, this significant development on March 24, 2026, stands as a strong testimony that the mission of creating a Naxal-free Bastar is steadily moving towards becoming a reality.

"For the first time in the history of the Maoist movement in Dandakaranya, the Naxal outfit has effectively become leaderless," he added.

Sundarraj further added that, as envisioned by the government and passionately desired by the people of the region, Bastar is now set to emerge stronger, carrying a renewed spirit and a positive identity for the future.

"We remain hopeful that the few remaining cadres, now wandering in small scattered groups, will also choose the path of peace and return to the mainstream in the coming days," said IG Bastar P Sundarraj.

Further details will be communicated in due course, he added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who has read about the conflict for years, seeing senior members like Pappa Rao surrender is indeed a "decisive breakthrough." The focus now must be on genuine reintegration, especially for the 7 women cadres. Their stories are often the most tragic.
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Arjun K
Finally some good news from Bastar! 🙏 The surrender of 18 cadres, including top leaders, shows the government's strategy is working. A Naxal-free Bastar will unlock so much potential for tourism and tribal welfare. Jai Hind!
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Priya S
While this is welcome, we must ensure this is not just a PR victory. The real test is what happens next. Will they get proper jobs, education, and community acceptance? Or will they be left in limbo? The rehabilitation process needs transparency.
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Vikram M
Handing over AK-47s is a powerful symbol. This surrender proves that dialogue and development can win over bullets. Hope the "renewed spirit" the IG talks about reaches every village in Dandakaranya. Our security forces deserve credit too.
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Kavya N
My heart goes out to the female cadres. Often, they join due to circumstances, not ideology. I truly hope the system supports them fully in building a new, peaceful life. This is a chance to heal generations of conflict.

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