Major Maoist Surrender in Bijapur: 12 Cadres with Rs 54 Lakh Bounty Lay Down Arms
In a significant development for security forces in Chhattisgarh, at least 12 Maoist cadres, including eight women, surrendered in Bijapur on Wednesday. The group, which carried a combined bounty of Rs 54 lakh on their heads, turned in three automatic weapons, ammunition, and a substantial cache of explosives, marking a notable blow to left-wing extremism in the region.
Details of the Surrendered Cadres and Weapons
Police officials confirmed that the 12 individuals belonged to the South sub-zonal bureau, based on their ranks and organizational roles within the Maoist structure. The surrendered arsenal included an AK-47 rifle, SLR rifles, along with multiple magazines and cartridges, highlighting the group's previous armed capabilities.
Among the key figures who laid down arms was Somdu Madkam (42), identified as a DVCM of the Darbha division and the "Katekyalyan area committee in-charge." Carrying an individual reward of Rs 8 lakh, Madkam surrendered with an AK-47 and a magazine. Two other cadres with Rs 8 lakh bounties—Hungi Kunjam (19), a battalion number 1 party member, and Payki Kunjam (22), a company number 2 party member—were also part of the surrendering group.
Reward Structure and Explosives Cache
The list of surrendered individuals further included Aayti Madkam (24), a PPCM linked to the north sub-zonal bureau with a Rs 5 lakh reward, and two ACM-ranked cadres: Chamanlal Kudiyam alias Chhotu (20) of the west Bastar division and Parvati Punem alias Ragho (22) of the Gangaloor area committee, each carrying Rs 5 lakh rewards. Another cadre, Sanna Madvi (19), surrendered with an SLR rifle and magazines, with a Rs 2 lakh bounty on his head.
The remaining cadres, mostly PLGA members and party members, carried rewards ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh, with ages spanning from 18 to 28 years. In addition to the firearms, police reported that the group deposited a large explosive cache, which comprised 250 gelatin sticks, 400 detonators, gunpowder stored in a plastic drum, and a bundle of cordex wire, underscoring the potential threat they posed.
Implications for Security and Regional Stability
This surrender event is seen as a critical success for law enforcement agencies in combating left-wing extremism in Chhattisgarh. The handing over of such a significant quantity of weapons and explosives not only reduces immediate security risks but also weakens the operational capacity of Maoist groups in the area.
Police authorities have emphasized that such surrenders are encouraged through rehabilitation programs and efforts to integrate former cadres into mainstream society. The event highlights ongoing challenges in regions affected by Maoist insurgency and the continuous efforts by security forces to maintain peace and order.
