Major Setback for Maoists as 15 Cadres Surrender in Chhattisgarh
In a significant development for security forces in Chhattisgarh, fifteen active Maoists carrying collective rewards worth ₹48 lakh surrendered before authorities in Sukma district on Monday. This mass surrender marks another substantial blow to the outlawed CPI (Maoist) organization operating in the troubled Bastar division of south Chhattisgarh.
Composition of Surrendered Cadres
The group included five women among the fifteen individuals who laid down their weapons. According to Sukma SP Kiran Chavan, the surrendered members included four hardcore cadres from the PLGA Battalion No. 1, which is widely considered one of the most potent strike units within the Maoist organizational structure. The remaining members had been actively working in various area committees and frontal organizations across different parts of Sukma district.
Bounty Details and Monetary Rewards
A substantial portion of these cadres carried significant monetary rewards on their heads. Four surrendered Maoists had bounties of ₹8 lakh each, while two others carried rewards of ₹5 lakh each. Further breakdown shows one cadre with a ₹3 lakh reward, another with ₹2 lakh, and one more with ₹1 lakh - bringing the total cumulative bounty amount to ₹48 lakh.
Growing Disillusionment and Rehabilitation Process
Officials familiar with the situation indicated that this surrender reflects increasing disillusionment within Maoist ranks, particularly among those assigned to high-risk combat roles. The state government is expected to process their rehabilitation according to the official surrender and rehabilitation policy once all formal procedures are completed. This development signals a continuing trend of Maoist cadres abandoning the armed struggle and seeking to reintegrate into mainstream society.
