Devji: This former top Maoist, who had a ₹1 crore bounty on his head, is now appearing for exams after 40 years and wants to become a lawyer

Nearly four decades after leaving his studies incomplete, former Maoist leader Devji, also known as Thippiri Tirupathi, appeared for the Telugu paper in the Intermediate Public Advanced Supplementary Examinations (IPASE) 2026 held in the state.

The 63-year-old had sought special permission from the board to appear for the supplementary examination and complete his Intermediate education.

“I hardly had a day to prepare for the exam,” Devji told TOI. He said the board granted him permission on May 11 to take the examination scheduled for May 13.


The former senior CPI(M) leader said his habit of reading extensively helped him prepare for the paper.

“A teacher helped me study for the exam. Also, as someone who reads regularly, I did not find it difficult. I prepared on Tuesday and appeared for the exam on Wednesday,” he said.

Why Devji Left The Exam Hall In 1983

Recalling the incident that disrupted his education decades ago, Devji said, “Back then, police used to enter examination halls to intimidate students, especially those from the Radical Students Union. As the president of the association, we decided to boycott the examination.”

“While I was writing the Telugu paper, a police officer entered the room. I felt students should write exams peacefully and that the police were violating our rights. So, I flung my answer sheet and walked out of the hall,” said Devji.

He added that had the incident not happened, he would have completed his Intermediate education in 1983 itself.

Plans To Become A Lawyer

The former Maoist leader also revealed that he now plans to appear for LAWCET, the entrance examination for LLB courses in the state.

“I want to become a lawyer and fight for people from marginalised sections. To do that, I am going to take the law entrance exam,” he said, adding that the move is part of his transition back to civilian life.

[With TOI inputs]