Gadchiroli, Maharashtra: In a significant development signaling the end of Maoist insurgency in the region, 11 hardcore members of the Communist Party of India (Maoist) surrendered in Gadchiroli on Wednesday. Among them was Bhima alias Seetu alias Kiran Hidma Kowasi, a close associate of the recently killed Maoist leader Hidma. These 11 rebels collectively carried a reward of ₹82 lakhs for their capture.
Maharashtra’s Director General of Police (DGP), Rashmi Shukla, expressed optimism about the future, stating that Naxalism is “nearing its end” and added that over 100 Maoists have already surrendered this year alone. She credited the combined efforts of the Gadchiroli police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) for their relentless campaign against the insurgents.
A Step Closer to Eradication
The surrender took place at the Gadchiroli Police Complex, in the presence of DGP Rashmi Shukla, Additional DGP (Special Operations) Dr. Chering Dorje, and other senior police officials, including Ankit Goyal, Deputy Inspector General (Gadchiroli Range), and Ajay Kumar Sharma, Deputy IG (Operations) of the CRPF. Four of the surrendering Maoists turned over their weapons as part of the formal ceremony.
Addressing the gathering, Rashmi Shukla confirmed that only about 10 to 11 Maoists remained in Gadchiroli, reiterating that the Maharashtra Police are confident of eliminating Naxalism in the state well before the deadline of March 31, 2026.
“We are working in close coordination with neighboring states like Chhattisgarh and Telangana, and together, we are pushing towards the complete eradication of Maoism,” Shukla said.
A Call for Surrender and Rehabilitation
In her speech, the DGP urged the remaining armed Maoists to abandon their violent ideology and return to the mainstream of society, where they could lead a peaceful and dignified life. She also shared that, under her leadership, over 100 Maoists have surrendered in the Gadchiroli region alone this year, a significant milestone in the fight against the insurgency.
Rashmi Shukla, who is set to retire on January 3, 2026, as Maharashtra’s first female DGP, emphasized the tireless work of the Gadchiroli Police and CRPF in dismantling the Maoist network. “I have visited Gadchiroli several times, and the progress is visible. The support for the Naxal movement at the ground level has drastically reduced,” she added.
Notable Surrenders
Among the surrendered Maoists was 57-year-old Ramesh alias Bhima alias Baju Guddi Lekami, who had been involved in 43 encounters with the police. Lekami, also accused of arson and other violent incidents, had evaded capture for years. Additionally, Bhima alias Seetu alias Kiran Hidma Kowasi, a close associate of the recently killed Maoist leader Madavi Hidma, also surrendered.
The surrender also included key members of the Bastar Divisional Committee, including Poriya alias Lucky Adama Gota, Ratan alias Sanna Masu Oyam, Kamla alias Rago Iria Veladi, Poriya alias Kumari Bhima Veladi, Ramaji alias Mura Lachhu Pungti, Sonu Podiyam alias Ajay Sanu Kato, Prakash alias Pandu Kundra Pungti, Sita alias Jaini Tonde Palo, and Sainath Shankar Med.
Among the surrendering Maoists, four women were included, three of whom gave themselves up along with their husbands. Four Maoists also surrendered with their weapons.
A Shift in Momentum
The success of the surrender operation was attributed to the effective implementation of the state’s “Surrender-and-Rehabilitation” policy, which has seen 783 active Maoists lay down their arms in Gadchiroli since the initiative’s launch.
Earlier this year, on October 15, 2025, Bhupathi alias Sonu, a Politburo member of the Maoist movement, surrendered before Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. His surrender followed the earlier surrender of Bhupathi’s wife, Vimla Chand Sidam alias Tarakka, a member of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee, who gave herself up to the authorities on January 1, 2025.
Hope for the Future
The surrender of these 11 Maoists is being hailed as a turning point in Maharashtra’s ongoing battle against Naxalism, with authorities hopeful that the state’s proactive measures will continue to yield results.
As DGP Rashmi Shukla prepares to retire, her legacy in the fight against Naxalism remains a defining aspect of her tenure as the state’s top police officer. The relentless efforts of the Gadchiroli police and CRPF are expected to continue until Naxalism is completely eradicated from the region.
