Senior Maoist Leader Devji Surrenders to Telangana Police in Major Blow to Insurgency
In a significant development for national security, senior CPI (Maoist) functionary Tippiri Tirupati, widely known as Devji, has reportedly surrendered to Telangana police. This move deals one of the heaviest blows yet to the armed insurgency, as the Central government intensifies efforts to meet its March 31 deadline for ending Maoist violence across India.
Details of the Surrender
The 60-year-old Devji, believed to be a Maoist general secretary with a reward of Rs 25 lakh on his head in Telangana, surrendered in Mulugu district, according to security sources. Police have not yet formally announced the surrender, but it is expected to be made official in the coming days. Devji, a native of Karimnagar district, was elevated to the position of general secretary approximately eight months ago, following the killing of former party chief Nambala Keshava Rao, also known as Basavaraju, by security forces in May 2025.
Up to 20 armed cadres are also anticipated to surrender alongside Devji, as per the sources, further weakening the Maoist infrastructure in the region.
Context of Operation Kagar
This surrender comes amid heightened pressure from the Union government under Operation Kagar, a nationwide initiative aimed at dismantling left-wing extremism. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has set March 2026 as the deadline to eliminate the Maoist insurgency across the country, making this development a critical step toward achieving that goal.
Telangana police's Special Intelligence Bureau, which handles anti-Maoist operations, is closely monitoring the situation. Senior officials have declined to comment on the matter, maintaining a cautious approach until formal announcements are made.
Impact on CPI (Maoist) Leadership
The CPI (Maoist) has been reeling from significant leadership losses over the past year. The surrender of senior politburo member Mallojula Venugopal, known as Sonu, was earlier viewed as a turning point in the fight against extremism. In the past six months, several other top functionaries, including Ashanna, have laid down their arms, indicating a trend of weakening resolve within the Maoist ranks.
While many Telangana-born Maoist functionaries have surrendered in neighbouring states like Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh over the past year, Devji's surrender to Telangana police marks a historic moment. He is poised to become the highest-ranking Maoist ever to give himself up to a security agency in the state, highlighting the effectiveness of local law enforcement efforts.
Devji's Background and Insurgency History
Devji joined the Maoist insurgency in the early 1980s, dedicating decades to the movement. His surrender not only represents a personal decision but also signals a broader shift in the dynamics of left-wing extremism in India, as more senior leaders opt for peace over continued conflict.
This event underscores the ongoing challenges and successes in India's battle against Maoist violence, with authorities leveraging strategic operations to encourage surrenders and dismantle extremist networks.
