Naxalite Surge: Rupi's Guard Surrenders as Chhattisgarh Gains Momentum

On Thursday, Ramko Mandavi, the personal security guard of the most-wanted Naxalite leader Rupi, surrendered before security forces.

Officials said the search operation to nab Rupi is still underway in the dense forests of the region.

This development comes just a day after two hardcore Naxalites from the Koilibeda area -- identified as Shankar and Hidma Dodi -- laid down their arms. Notably, one of them surrendered while carrying an AK-47 rifle, highlighting the significant firepower being relinquished by the cadres. Both individuals had been active members of the banned CPI (Maoist) for several years and were allegedly involved in multiple violent incidents, including ambushes and extortions across Kanker and surrounding areas.

Security sources described the surrenders as a major morale booster for the forces and a clear indication of the crumbling structure of the Naxal network in the Bastar division.

"The continuous trickle of surrenders, especially from close aides of top commanders, shows that the Maoists are losing trust and operational strength," a senior police official said on condition of anonymity.

The Kanker region, which shares borders with Maharashtra's Gadchiroli, has long been a hotbed of Naxal activity. However, intensified joint operations by the Border Security Force (BSF), Chhattisgarh Police, and intelligence agencies have steadily eroded the extremists' hold.

Development initiatives, better road connectivity, and rehabilitation packages for surrendering cadres have played a key role in encouraging militants to return to the mainstream.

In recent months, Chhattisgarh has witnessed hundreds of Naxalites surrendering across districts like Kanker, Sukma, and Bijapur.

The state government, in coordination with the Centre, has been aggressively pushing the "surrender and rehabilitate" policy while maintaining pressure through anti-Naxal operations.

Union Home Minister has repeatedly stated that the country is close to making India Naxal-free, with March 31, 2026, earlier marked as a key target date for a significant reduction in violence.

The latest surrenders in Kanker are being seen as part of this broader success story. Authorities have appealed to remaining Naxalites, especially lower-rung cadres, to shun violence and join the path of development. Rehabilitation packages including financial assistance, vocational training, and security cover are being offered to those who surrender with arms and information.

As the hunt for top leaders like Rupi intensifies, security forces remain on high alert.

- IANS