29 Maoists surrender in Chhattisgarh's Sukma

New Delhi: At least 29 Maoists surrendered before the police in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district on Wednesday, Bastar police said.

The cadres, all active members of frontal wings of the outlawed CPI (Maoist), turned themselves in before senior police and CRPF officials under the 'Poona Margem' (from rehabilitation to social reintegration) initiative, Sukma Superintendent of Police Kiran Chavan said.

Of them, Podiam Budhra, head of Dandakaranya Adivasi Kisan Majdoor Sangthan (DAKMS - frontal wing of Maoists) in the Gogunda area, was carrying a reward of ₹2 lakh on his head. The other cadres were members of DAKMS, militia, and Janatana Sarkar wings of Maoists, the officials said.


The establishment of a security camp in Gogunda area recently played a crucial role in their surrender. Following the setting up of the camp, anti-Maoist operations intensified. This, along with sustained pressure and continuous search operations, significantly curtailed Maoist activities in the region, according to Bastar police.

Gogunda area, owing to its difficult and remote terrain, was earlier considered a safe and strategic base for the Maoists' Darbha division. But after the security camp was established, the Maoist stronghold was effectively dismantled, the official said.

Around 63 Maoists surrendered in the neighbouring Dantewada district on January 8, while 26 cadres gave up arms and joined the mainstream in Sukma on January 7. More than 1,500 Maoists surrendered in the state in 2025.

The Centre has resolved to eliminate Maoism from the country by March 31 this year.

(With Agency Inputs)