Dantewada, A total of 37 Maoists renounced the path of violence and surrendered at the District Reserve Guard (DRG) office in Dantewada. Of those who surrendered, 27 carried a cumulative reward of ₹65 lakh on their heads. They expressed faith in the Chhattisgarh Government’s “Puna Margem” initiative (‘Rehabilitation to Renewal’).

The surrender took place in the presence of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Kamalochan Kashyap (IPS), DIG Rakesh Chaudhary (CRPF), Superintendent of Police (SP) Gaurav Rai (IPS), and commandants from the 111th, 230th, and 80th battalions of the CRPF. The DRG, Bastar Fighters, and the Special Intelligence Branch played vital roles in facilitating the surrenders.

Key surrendered Maoists included Kumli alias Anita Mandavi, Geeta alias Laxmi Madkam, Ranjan alias Soma Mandavi, and Bhima alias Jahaz Kalmu, each carrying a reward of up to ₹8 lakh. Those without specific rewards were active cadres involved in organisational activities like logistics, propaganda, and mobilisation.

Several of the surrendered individuals were involved in serious incidents. Bhima alias Jahaj Kalmu played a role in the 2019 Bhairamgarh-Keshkutul attack (where security personnel were ambushed) and the 2020 Minpa encounter. Others, including Taklu alias Ajay Kashyap, Hungi alias Roshni Sodi, Kumli alias Anita Mandavi, and Kranti alias Podiya Gawade, participated in the 2024 Thulthuli and Gobel encounters.
Under the State government’s rehabilitation policy, each surrendered Maoist will immediately receive ₹50,000 in financial assistance, along with access to facilities such as skill development training and agricultural land.

Inspired by the State and Central government’s policies, over 508 Maoists, including 165 carrying rewards, have surrendered in Dantewada district over the past 20 months. Under the widely recognized ‘Lon Varratu’ campaign, a total of 1,160 Maoists (including 333 reward-carrying cadres) have surrendered so far.

The Dantewada Police and District Administration remain committed to the dual goals of peace and development. They reiterated an appeal to remaining Maoists to abandon violence, understand their responsibilities to their families and society, and embrace a path of peace and dignity.