86 Maoists surrender in Bhadradri Kothagudem
By Doruvu Paul Jagan Babu: Assistant Chief Editor
Telangana: In a significant setback to the Maoist movement, 86 members surrendered on April 5, 2025, at Bhadradri Kothagudem district police headquarters, doubling down on last month’s 64 surrenders, as Telangana’s ‘Operation Cheyutha’ gains momentum under IG P Chandrasekhar Reddy.
Mass surrender hits Maoist ranks
On Saturday, 86 Maoists, including 20 women, laid down arms before Multizone-1 IG P Chandrasekhar Reddy at Bhadradri Kothagudem police headquarters. This follows 64 surrenders last month, marking two major blows to the outlawed group within 30 days. The surrendered include four Area Committee Members (ACMs), four party members, and 78 militia from Bijapur and Sukma districts, with 81 hailing from Bhadradri Kothagudem and five from Mulugu.
Operation Cheyutha drives change
IG Reddy credited ‘Operation Cheyutha,’ a joint effort with Kothagudem police and CRPF, for the surrenders, citing Maoists’ frustration with harassment and extortion by their leaders. The initiative, aimed at mainstreaming rebels, has led to 66 arrests and 150 surrenders in the district over four months. Reddy urged Maoists to abandon outdated ideologies, promising government support for a normal life.
Incentives and rehabilitation offered
Each surrendered ACM received Rs 5 lakh, party members Rs 1 lakh, and militia Rs 25,000, with Reddy personally handing over initial Rs 25,000 cheques. The government has pledged full rehabilitation, a move praised by Bhadradri Kothagudem SP Rohit Raj and Mulugu SP Shabarish, who attended the event.
Authorities have intensified vigilance against Maoists extorting locals, viewing their activities as barriers to tribal area development. The police’s persistent efforts to integrate rebels into mainstream society have yielded results, with Reddy commending his team’s role in curbing threats and fostering progress.
