Top Maoist Leader Prabhakar Eliminated in Abujhmarh Operation After Surrender Plan Fails
In a significant blow to left-wing extremism, senior Maoist leader Prabhakar, also known as Ravi, Parkal Veer, Swamy, and Padakala Swamy, was among seven insurgents killed in a major anti-Naxal operation conducted by Gadchiroli police in the dense forests of Abujhmarh. The operation unfolded after a planned surrender in October 2025, involving Prabhakar and another top leader Bhupati, failed to materialize, leading to a dramatic escape and subsequent confrontation.
The Failed Surrender and Fatal Encounter
A senior police official revealed that Prabhakar, whose real name was Loketi Chandar Rao (57), had initially agreed to surrender alongside Bhupati alias Sonu Dada alias Mallojula Venugopal Rao in October 2025. However, the arrangement collapsed at the last moment. Instead of turning himself in, Prabhakar fled with five to six cadres, setting the stage for the deadly encounter in Abujhmarh. "He came to surrender along with Bhupati in October 2025, but the plan did not materialize. Instead, Prabhakar fled with his cadres and was later among those killed," the official stated.
Prabhakar, a resident of Isorjiwada in Sadashiv Nagar, Kamareddy district, Telangana, belonged to the Katika caste and carried a substantial reward of Rs 25 lakh on his head. He held the critical position of Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee Member (DKSZCM), making him one of the highest-ranking Maoist operatives in the region. At the time of his death, he was armed with an AK-47 rifle, underscoring his combat readiness.
Strategic Role and Regional Influence
Prabhakar's operational jurisdiction was extensive and strategically vital. He served as the in-charge of the West Bastar Sub-Zonal Bureau (WSZB), a member of the Special Military Commission (SMC), and the Weapons and Manufacturing Committee (WMC). His responsibilities included overseeing the North Gadchiroli division, effectively making him the top Maoist leader for Gadchiroli for the past decade. "Prabhakar was the in-charge of the West Bastar sub-division, under which Gadchiroli also fell. Effectively, he functioned as the top Maoist leader for Gadchiroli for the past ten years," explained a senior officer.
The Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee is divided into four sub-divisions covering large parts of Chhattisgarh, sections of Gadchiroli, and northern Telangana. While Bhupati was considered the national-level head, Prabhakar operated as the state-level chief for the West Bastar sub-division, highlighting his pivotal role in the insurgent hierarchy. The remaining six Maoists killed in the operation were identified as lower-ranking cadres, emphasizing the significance of Prabhakar's elimination.
A Veteran's Legendary Evasion Tactics
Sources among surrendered cadres described Prabhakar as a legendary figure within the Maoist organization, renowned for repeatedly evading arrest and surviving encounters. His notoriety was such that stories of his escapes were documented in Telugu and later translated into Gondi and Hindi, becoming required reading among insurgent ranks. One particularly famous incident earned him the alias 'Padakala Swamy'.
"Padakala, a village in Kamareddy district, was the site of a 36-hour-long encounter from which Swamy escaped, earning him the name 'Padakala Swamy', which is recorded in Maoist history," a source recounted. The tale narrates how he narrowly avoided an ambush, with some accounts suggesting he hid for hours in a pit filled with cow dung to evade capture, though details remain hazy.
Nearly Four Decades of Insurgent Activity
Prabhakar's involvement in the Maoist movement spanned an astonishing 39 years, beginning in 1986 as a leader of the Radical Youth Organization. His early activism focused on struggles against landlords and feudal oppression. In 1991, he went underground, formally joining the party's armed wing after functioning legally until then. He married at the age of 16 to Sulochana and had three children, though one daughter, who suffered from health issues, later passed away.
After transitioning to clandestine operations, Prabhakar ascended through the ranks, serving as a squad member, commander, and area committee secretary in Kamareddy and Chinnapalli. He played instrumental roles in building the movement both politically and organizationally. His combat experience was vast, with involvement in numerous armed actions, including serving as deputy commander and commander in major raids. He is believed to have survived between 30 to 40 encounters or ambushes throughout his career.
Notable incidents include attacks where weapons were seized from police forces, such as an operation near the Indravati river at Rani Bodli, where police personnel were killed and approximately 40 weapons were captured. In 2003, he relocated from Telangana to Dandakaranya, serving as a District Committee member in South and West Bastar, including Gangloor, before moving to Gadchiroli to lead a company and focus on military operations.
Personal Losses and Unwavering Commitment
Despite enduring profound personal tragedies, including the death of his wife, the arrest and imprisonment of one child, and the recent surrender of his son, Prabhakar remained steadfastly committed to the armed struggle. His resilience and dedication made him a formidable adversary for security forces. Sources noted that his family was associated with the CPI (Maoist), further embedding him within the insurgent ecosystem.
Security Implications and Ongoing Challenges
While Maoist presence in Gadchiroli has significantly diminished in recent years, security agencies remain vigilant about potential infiltration from Chhattisgarh. Of the approximately 15 Maoists recently active in the area, seven were neutralized in this operation. Only about five cadres are believed to remain locally, while those who escaped belong to the Maad Division, posing a continuing security challenge.
A senior officer highlighted Prabhakar's technical expertise, noting his proficiency with sophisticated weapons like the AK-47 and his specialization in Improvised Explosive Device (IED) technology. As a member of the Weapons and Manufacturing Committee, he played a crucial role in military strategy and logistics, serving as a critical link in sustaining insurgent presence along the border corridors of Kanker, Narayanpur, and Bijapur.
Prabhakar alias Loketi Chandar Rao was not merely a combatant but a veteran strategist whose elimination marks a significant achievement for security forces. The Rs 25 lakh bounty on his head and his involvement in 73 armed confrontations underscored the severe threat he posed to national security and regional stability for over three decades. His death represents a major setback for Maoist operations in the region, though challenges persist in fully eradicating the insurgent network.
