Thirty Naxalites, including nine women and 20 cadres carrying a collective bounty of ₹79 lakh, laid down arms before the police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Bijapur on Wednesday.
The surrendered group included senior leaders, notably Sonu Hemla alias Koroti (38), a divisional committee member who had been active since 2003 and carried a bounty of ₹8 lakh. His wife, Sukdi Gawde, also surrendered; she had been active since 2008 and carried a bounty of ₹2 lakh.
Two platoon party committee members, six protection team cadres, four area committee members, one Jan militia commander, one militia platoon commander, and several People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) members were among those who capitulated.
Police officials said the Naxals had turned themselves in due to disenchantment with Maoist ideology, internal strife, and resentment against atrocities on tribals. They were also influenced by the state government’s rehabilitation and surrender policies, including the Niyad Nellanar (Your Good Village) scheme.
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“Frustrated with exploitation and violent acts of Maoist leaders, many cadres are choosing to return to the mainstream,” a senior police officer said.
Each surrendered cadre was provided with ₹50,000 in immediate assistance. Officials noted that efforts such as Poona Margham (New Path) are being expanded to help former Maoists reintegrate through education, employment, and community support.
With this latest development, the number of Naxals who have surrendered in Bijapur this year has risen to 307, police added.
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