Senior Maoist Leader Devji Surrenders, Marking Turning Point for Gadchiroli

Senior Maoist Leader Devji Surrenders to Telangana Police

The surrender of senior CPI (Maoist) leader Thippiri Tirupati, widely known as Deoji or Devji, to Telangana police has delivered a significant blow to left-wing extremism in India. This development marks a crucial turning point for Gadchiroli district in Maharashtra, which has long struggled with Maoist violence and insurgency.

Devji's Background and Role in Maoist Hierarchy

Hailing from Karimnagar district in Telangana, Devji, approximately 60 years old, was one of the highest-ranking military strategists within the Maoist organization. He served as the head of the Central Military Commission and played a pivotal role as a key tactician in the People's Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA). Following recent leadership changes and neutralizations within the group, Devji was widely regarded as the de facto general secretary, making his surrender particularly impactful.

Personal Grudge Against Gadchiroli Police

Devji harbored a deep personal grudge against Gadchiroli police forces, stemming from the death of his wife, Sujanakka. Also known as Chinakka or Jaini, Sujanakka was a prominent divisional commander with a reward of Rs 16 lakh on her head. She was neutralized by the elite C-60 Commando Force in May 2020 during an encounter in the Sinbhatti forests near Jarawandi village, Bhamragad tehsil. Sujanakka faced 144 serious charges, including 44 murders, making her a significant figure in the Maoist movement.

Grief-stricken and enraged by his wife's death, Devji publicly vowed brutal revenge against Gadchiroli police. He threatened to redirect elite battalions from South Bastar to inflict what he called the "worst setback" on security forces in the region. In the years that followed, Maoist actions widely attributed to his directives included:

• Torching vehicles in Dhanora, located in north Gadchiroli.
• Blockading roads across the district and into bordering Chhattisgarh.
• Launching ambushes, notably one near Poyarkothi that resulted in the deaths of two policemen.

Impact on Gadchiroli's Security Landscape

These threats plunged Gadchiroli into a prolonged period of tension and heightened security measures. The district witnessed intensified anti-mine operations, routine deployments of bomb detection and disposal squads, and extreme caution in security convoy movements due to fears of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The constant dread of ambushes and hidden explosives created a challenging environment for both law enforcement and local communities.

Surrender in Context of Government Operations

Devji's surrender, along with up to 16 cadres and another top leader, aligns with the government's aggressive push under Operation Kagar. This initiative aims to eradicate Maoist influence by March 31, 2026, amid a surge in desertions across states like Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Telangana. The weakening of the PLGA, with top leaders either neutralized or defecting, has created an opportunity for strategic shifts in affected regions.

With Devji's exit, the Eastern Vidarbha-Gadchiroli corridor can now pivot from a defensive posture to focusing on development and community outreach. Priorities include enhancing school protection, improving road connectivity, and consolidating peace efforts. A local officer emphasized, "Devji's surrender ends one of the darkest military phases Gadchiroli endured. The constant fear of ambushes and hidden IEDs is over. Security forces can finally prioritize winning hearts and building a better future for the region."

This surrender not only deals a blow to Maoist operations but also opens avenues for sustained peace and development in Gadchiroli, signaling hope for a more stable and prosperous future.