‘Biggest event in nation’s history, this marks a new beginning’: Fadnavis hands over copy of Constitution to surrendered Maoist leader Bhupati, 60 cadres

Among the 61 surrendered before Fadnavis, 20 of them laid down their arms while still in uniform. Bhupati, a member of the banned CPI (Maoist)’s Politburo as well as its Central Military Commission, carried a bounty of Rs 6 crore.

The surrendered cadres carried a collective bounty of Rs 5.24 crore. They include two Dandakaranya special zonal committee members, 10 senior divisional committee members, 16 party people’s committee members (PPCM), three deputy commanders, 6 area committee members, and 23 dalam members.

Fadnavis welcomed them into the mainstream by gifting each a copy of the Indian Constitution, symbolising their new beginning. He also congratulated Bhupati’s wife Taraakka, 62, during the ceremony.

Addressing the gathering, CM Fadnavis said, “Today is an extremely important day for Gadchiroli. The work of writing the final chapter on the elimination of Maoism from Gadchiroli has begun with this surrender.”

He reflected on the region’s decades-long struggle with Maoism, “For nearly 40 years, the Gadchiroli district has constantly fought with Maoism. In the initial period, the entire area, including Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Bhandara, and Gondia, was affected by Maoism, and particularly Gadchiroli, which is a border area of the state.”

“On one side of Gadchiroli is Chhattisgarh, on the other is Telangana, and the rest is the entire Maoist region, including Odisha, Jharkhand, or Andhra Pradesh. This whole area, which was connected through the Dandakaranya forest, remained largely deprived of development,” he said.

Senior Naxal commander Mallojula Venugopal Rao along with 60 cadres surrendered on Wednesday before Devendra Fadnavis at a formal ceremony. (Express Photo)

Youth were misled, says Fadnavis

“When Kondapalli Seetharamaiah formed the People’s War Group (PWG) in 1980, following that, in the then-Andhra Pradesh and this part of Gadchiroli, Maoists became active on a large scale. Consequently, confusion against the system was created in the minds of the youth here,” he said.

Fadnavis said the youth were told that they cannot get justice through the framework of the Constitution, and therefore, the system created told them that the Constitution must be overthrown, and a new system should be established by running the state from the ‘jungle’.

“This dream misled many youngsters. They felt that a new system was beginning, one that would bring equality. They did not have the idea that if equality could come, it could only come through the Constitution written by Bharat Ratna Babasaheb Ambedkar,” he said.

He added, “Because they did not have this idea, a large number of our youth, and especially many young men and women from our tribal community, became associated with this Maoist movement.”

“Today, we have formally accepted the surrender of Sonu alias Bhupati. This surrender is important because he is a member of the Polit Bureau, Central Committee, and moreover, 40 years ago, when new dalams (squads) started in this area, whether it was Aheri or Sironcha, Bhupati was one of those who led the formation of these dalams, providing the intellectual and logistical support. His brother was also with him at that time.”

“And then, slowly, the Perimili Dalam, Chamorshi, Tipagarh, and others expanded, and a very large army began under his leadership. He took responsibility as the head of the entire Maoist campaign in the present-day Telangana region, the Gadchiroli part of Maharashtra, and the adjacent part of Chhattisgarh, and waged a huge struggle.”

The surrender marks one of the largest such laydowns in recent years and is being seen as a significant step toward restoring peace in the Naxal-affected regions of the state. (Express Photo)

Fadnavis credits PM Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah

Fadnavis credited the twin strategy of the Centre under Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the turnaround. “In the last 10 years, through the medium of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a twin strategy was prepared. In this strategy, on one hand, administration and development must reach the last person in society. On the other hand, only two options should remain for those who take up arms and commit violence: either they lay down their arms and join the mainstream system, or they face police action.”

Fadnavis added that Home Minister Amit Shah prepared a growth strategy to banish Maoism from this country. “And today we see that under that strategy, the eradication of Maoism is happening on a very large scale across the country.”

The CM also congratulated the Gadchiroli Police, the C-60 commando unit, and the CRPF units.

Calling the event “historic,” Fadnavis said, “A new history has been written today. The surrender of such a senior, highly educated, intelligent, trained, and ideologically minded person like Bhupati, who built this entire movement, and along with him, the surrender of 61 highly senior Maoists with all their weapons, must be noted as the biggest event in the country’s history. And now, this is the beginning.”

He said Maoism has been eliminated from North Gadchiroli, and “almost from South Gadchiroli” as well. “Only a handful of people from Company 10 remain. I also appeal to them to join the mainstream immediately. If they surrender, we will welcome them too. Otherwise, they will have to face the consequences. We have reached a situation now where Maoism will be completely banished, and Gadchiroli is leading this fight.”

‘Ripple effect of Gadchiroli can be felt in other states also’

Expressing optimism about more surrenders in neighbouring states, Fadnavis said that the recent developments in Gadchiroli have created a ripple effect across the Maoist-affected belt.

“I have faith because of the stand Bhupati took here, and the way various negotiations were constantly going on with our forces for the past month. Due to the public stand he has taken, not only have 60 people come here today, but there is also a strong feeling now developing among the remaining cadres in Chhattisgarh that we have lost the ideological war, that all the dreams we were pursuing were false, and that only the Indian Constitution can give us justice here,” Fadnavis said.

“Due to this feeling, I am confident that in Chhattisgarh, too, 100–150 cadres will surrender in a few days. Telangana will also follow, and this entire so-called Red Corridor will be completely free from Maoism,” he added.

He termed the development a matter of “great pride and self-respect” for Maharashtra, adding that the surrender of Tarakka (Bhupati’s wife) earlier this year “sowed the seeds for future surrenders.”

Addressing the surrendered cadres directly, CM Fadnavis said, “You have accepted the Indian Constitution and joined the mainstream. The state government will not stop until the justice promised by this Constitution reaches you. Every surrendered Maoist will be properly rehabilitated, and the state will stand firmly behind anyone who respects the Constitution.”

He noted that several former Maoists had already been successfully rehabilitated, with many employed at Lloyds Steel. “I spoke with Shri Prabhakaran of Lloyds Steel, who has agreed to provide training and jobs to all willing cadres. Through our rehabilitation package, we aim to ensure that no one feels regret for surrendering but instead sees their life transformed for the better,” he added.

Fadnavis also cautioned against complacency, “The entire Maoist movement is almost eliminated, but we cannot be complacent. We will have to be extremely vigilant for the next 2 to 2.5 years. Often, when a movement ends, a handful of people within it try to launch a final attack to keep it alive. Therefore, we must continue to work with great strength and cooperation between the police and district administration to strengthen people’s trust.”

Talking to the media after the event, Fadnavis said, “Bhupati was the backbone and the brain behind the rise of Maoism across Dandakaranya. With his surrender, that backbone is broken.”

Talking about Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s deadline of March 2026 to eliminate Maoism, Fadnavis said, “Maharashtra has achieved this goal even before that.”

“Through discussions and persistent pressure for the last month, we not only prepared such a big cadre like Bhupati, but he also made a public appeal that Maoism is now finished.”

Bhupati’s request to surrender before CM Fadnavis

When asked if Bhupati had a special request to surrender before CM Fadnavis, he said, “Yes, it is true, it was his wish that they surrender before the Chief Minister. I told officers that I am ready to come even to the jungle, but instead, they (police) brought them here, and they surrendered. That is why I cancelled all my programs and came here immediately. It was also a matter of trust, as the police had told Bhupati that the Chief Minister would personally come for the surrender.”

Fadnavis said sophisticated weapons were seized, and their origins would be investigated. When asked his opinion on Bhupati’s choice to surrender in Maharashtra, he said, “The fight against Maoism is a joint one between Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana. This is not a competition. The C-60 has earlier conducted actions in Abujmarh as well. After Tarakka surrendered, the humane treatment given by our police built trust, leading to this surrender. With this, others in Chhattisgarh and Telangana will also benefit.”

He added that interrogation would continue for 15 days to a month as links are established.

“Information given by anyone cannot be considered true until validated. The police department will share the verified details with the Ministry of Home Affairs.”

Fadnavis said, “This is not a fight for credit. It is a fight for peace, justice, and trust. The surrender of Bhupati is not the end, it is the beginning of a new chapter for Gadchiroli and for India’s fight against Maoism.”

Aim to make Gadchiroli a steel hub

Highlighting Gadchiroli’s development, the Chief Minister said the district is emerging as a steel magnet with nearly Rs 3 lakh crore in investments in Gadchiroli and Chandrapur. He said 95 per cent of the jobs generated will go to locals.

Fadnavis announced new infrastructure, education, and green initiatives, including mining courses in collaboration with an Australian university, a new medical college, and a plan to plant five crore trees, of which 40 lakh have already been planted.

“We aim to make Gadchiroli a green steel hub and manufacture pollution-free steel. Gadchiroli’s march from being the last to becoming the first district of Maharashtra has begun,” he said.

Surrendered Maoists

1. Mallojula Venugopal Rao alias Bhupati alias Sonu alias Sonudada alias Vivek alias Laxmirajan alias Lachhanna alias Abhay – Politburo Member, Central Committee Member, Spokesperson – CPI (Maoist) and Secretary of Central Regional Bureau. Cases: 56 encounters, 10 murders, 13 others; total 79. Bounty on arrest: Rs 50 lakh.

2. Vivek alias Bhaskar alias Umesh alias Prakash alias Mahesh alias Vijay alias Surender alias Birsa alias Raghu Irri – DKSZCM, DK Zone Technical Department. Total cases: 56 encounters, 10 murders, 1 arson, 1 other; total 68. Bounty: Rs 25 lakh.

3. Swati Sailu Salakula alias Saroja alias Lata alias Dipa – DKSZCM, DK Zone Technical Department. Cases under verification. Bounty: Rs 25 lakh.

4. Shabbir alias Arjun Kova Yemla – DVCM, Rahi Dalam. Cases under verification. Bounty: Rs 16 lakh.

5. Jitru alias Gangu Joga Nuppo – DVCM, Rahi Dalam. Cases under verification. Bounty: Rs 16 lakh.

6. Dalsu alias Mainu alias Joga Pusu Gawde – DVCM, Gadchiroli Technical Team. Cases: 3 encounters, 10 murders, 6 arson, 3 others; total 22. Bounty: Rs 16 lakh.

7. Sagar alias Sukku alias Bucha Laccha Sidam – DVCM, Gadchiroli Technical Team. Cases: 4 encounters, 2 others; total 6. Bounty: Rs 16 lakh.

8. Padma alias Parvati Hoyam – DVCM, DK Zone Technical Department. Cases under verification. Bounty: Rs 16 lakh.

9. Anju alias Sneha alias Lina alias Aruna alias Anjamma Pochayya Chintakidi – DVCM, DK Zone Technical Department. Cases under verification. Bounty: Rs 16 lakh.

10. Ramdas alias Ramji Channa Gawde – DVCM, DK Zone Technical Department. Cases: 2 encounters, 1 murder, 2 arson, 2 others; total 7. Bounty: Rs 16 lakh.

11. Ravikumar alias Mallesh alias Kumar alias Ravi Mupallya Manugala – DVCM, DK Zone Technical Department. Cases under verification. Bounty: Rs 16 lakh.

12. Raju alias Kalamsai alias Ramesh Kutke Veladi – DVCM, Gatta Dalam. Cases: 40 encounters, 19 murders, 4 arson, 13 others; total 76. Bounty: Rs 16 lakh.

13. Nikhil alias Rajesh alias Aytu Pandu Lekami – DVCM, Company No. 10. Cases: 22 encounters, 11 murders, 4 arson, 9 others; total 46. Bounty: Rs 16 lakh.

14. Narsu alias Swarupa Bucchya Madavi – PPCM, Gadchiroli TD. Cases under verification. Bounty: Rs 8 lakh.

15. Vishnu alias Manu alias Sanku Usendi – PPCM, Gadchiroli TD. Cases: 6 encounters, 5 murders, 1 other; total 12. Bounty: Rs 8 lakh.

16. Sukro alias Ramji Bukalu Velda – PPCM, Gadchiroli TD. Cases: 1 encounter, 1 murder; total 2. Bounty: Rs 8 lakh.

17. Suresh alias Nagesh Kohka Talande – PPCM, Gadchiroli TD. Cases: 5 encounters, 2 others; total 7. Bounty: Rs 8 lakh.

18. Madhu alias Navalsing Mannu Tekam – PPCM, Gadchiroli TDD. Cases: 23 encounters, 11 murders, 5 arson, 13 others; total 52. Bounty: Rs 8 lakh.

19. Roshni alias Hirai Samasai Kurchami – PPCM, Gadchiroli TD. Cases: 8 encounters, 4 murders, 3 arson, 3 others; total 18. Bounty: Rs 8 lakh.

20. Anita alias Made Bandi Madkami – PPCM, Gadchiroli TD. Cases: 3 encounters, 2 murders; total 5. Bounty: Rs 8 lakh.

21. Ghuge alias Shankaranna Gurka – PPCM, Gadchiroli TD. Cases under verification. Bounty: Rs 8 lakh.

22. Bicchem alias Sannu Aytu Kadiyam – PPCM, Zone TD. Cases under verification. Bounty: Rs 8 lakh.

23. Mangli Soma Kunjam – PPCM, Zone TD. Cases under verification. Bounty: Rs 8 lakh.

24. Saibo alias Gita Divo Podyam – PPCM, Zone TD. Cases under verification. Bounty: Rs 8 lakh.

25. Kamlesh alias Nanda Joga Nuppo – PPCM, Zone TD. Cases under verification. Bounty: Rs 8 lakh.

26. Rohit alias Shivkumar Suklu Tekam – PPCM, Zone TD. Cases under verification. Bounty: Rs 8 lakh.

27. Jyoti alias Suguna Guddi Madkam – PPCM, Zone TD. Cases under verification. Bounty: Rs 8 lakh.

28. Sunil alias Unga Manglu Kunjam – PPCM, Company No. 10. Cases: 4 encounters, 1 other; total 5. Bounty: Rs 8 lakh.

29. Nirmala alias Umeshwari Raju Tadami – PPCM, Company No. 10. Cases: 16 encounters, 3 murders, 5 others; total 24. Bounty: Rs 8 lakh.

30. Priyanka alias Vasanthi Lalsu Lekami – Deputy Commander, Gadchiroli Division (Gatta Dalam). Cases: 10 encounters, 11 murders, 1 arson, 1 other; total 23. Bounty: Rs 6 lakh.

31. Rago alias Shanti Jaggu Mohanda – Deputy Commander, Gadchiroli Division (Bhamragad Dalam). Cases: 5 encounters, total 5. Bounty: Rs 6 lakh.

32. Adme alias Maini Joga Madavi – Deputy Commander, Gadchiroli Division. Cases under verification. Bounty: Rs 6 lakh.

33. Kosa alias Ritesh Hidma Kovase – ACM, Rahi Dalam. Cases under verification. Bounty: Rs 6 lakh.

34. Manglu alias Lata Joga Velo – ACM, Rahi Dalam. Cases under verification. Bounty: Rs 6 lakh.

35. Nila alias Pozze Ganga Vetti – ACM, Rahi Dalam. Cases under verification. Bounty: Rs 6 lakh.

36. Paiki alias Sharmila Sukku Kunjam – ACM, Rahi Dalam. Cases under verification. Bounty: Rs 6 lakh.

37. Manju alias Gangi Masa Kovachi – ACM, Gadchiroli Division (Bhamragad Dalam). Cases: 11 encounters, 4 murders, 1 other; total 16. Bounty: Rs 6 lakh.

38. Junni alias Nero Rawji Naroti – ACM, Gadchiroli Division. Cases: 1 encounter, 1 murder; others 1; total 3. Bounty: Rs 6 lakh.

39. Pragati alias Kamla Aytu Tati – Member, Rahi Dalam. Cases under verification. Bounty: Rs 2 lakh.

40. Anjali alias Dulle Lacchu Kunjam – Member, Rahi Dalam. Cases under verification. Bounty: Rs 2 lakh.

41. Ganga alias Lochan Somlu Madkam – Member, Rahi Dalam. Cases under verification. Bounty: Rs 2 lakh.

42. Bhima alias Parmu Sona Sodi – Member, Rahi Dalam. Cases under verification. Bounty: Rs 2 lakh.

43. Sunita alias Phulbatti Sujan Holi – Member, Gadchiroli Division. Cases under verification. Bounty: Rs 4 lakh.

44. Rajita Poyam – Member, Gadchiroli Division. Cases under verification. Bounty: Rs 4 lakh.

45. Ranju alias Gunji Malla Poyam – Member, Gadchiroli Division. Cases under verification. Bounty: Rs 4 lakh.

46. Bhume alias Lacchi Jaga Madkami – Member, Gadchiroli Division. Cases under verification. Bounty: Rs 4 lakh.

47. Rita alias Deve Pandu Kunjam – Member, Gadchiroli Division. Cases: 1 encounter. Bounty: Rs 4 lakh.

48. Amol alias Samru Bandi Sodi – Member, Gadchiroli Division. Cases: 1 encounter. Bounty: Rs 4 lakh.

49. Jyoti alias Anusha Sanna Muchaki – Member, Zone TD. Cases under verification. Bounty: Rs 4 lakh.

50. Ankita alias Manju Unga Halami – Member, Zone TD. Cases under verification. Bounty: Rs 4 lakh.

51. Manjula alias Rame Joga Kunjami – Member, Zone TD. Cases under verification. Bounty: Rs 4 lakh.

52. Ungi alias Sandhya Deve Kunjam – Member, Zone TD. Cases under verification. Bounty: Rs 4 lakh.

53. Baldev alias Lakma Hurra Kunjam – Member, Zone TD. Cases under verification. Bounty: Rs 4 lakh.

54. Bhujji alias Asmita Dasru Yemla – Member, Zone TD. Cases under verification. Bounty: Rs 4 lakh.

55. Paiko alias Ravi Badru Uika – Member, Zone TD. Cases under verification. Bounty: Rs 4 lakh.

56. Aasman alias Ramu Hidma Karam – Member, Zone TD. Cases under verification. Bounty: Rs 4 lakh.

57. Mahesh alias Mangel Unga Telam – Member, Zone TD. Cases under verification. Bounty: Rs 4 lakh.

58. Hural alias Sunil alias Anesh Kopa Kovase – Member, Zone TD. Cases under verification. Bounty: Rs 4 lakh.

59. Rambatti Madal Telami – Member, Zone TD. Cases under verification. Bounty: Rs 4 lakh.

60. Savi Kumma Tumreti – Member, Gadchiroli Division (Gatta Dalam). Cases: 11 encounters, 7 murders, 1 arson, 1 other; total 20. Bounty: Rs 2 lakh.

61. Bhime alias Sharmila Bhima Madkami – Member, Company No. 10. Cases: 3 encounters, 2 others; total 5. Bounty: Rs 4 lakh.