Mass Maoist Surrender in Gadchiroli: 11 Hardened Guerrillas Lay Down Arms
In a significant setback for Left-wing extremism, the banned CPI(Maoist) organization suffered a major blow in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district. With just 10 days remaining until Union Home Minister Amit Shah's March 31 deadline to eradicate Maoist activities, 11 hardened guerrillas surrendered before police authorities on Thursday.
Key Commanders Among Those Surrendering
The surrendered individuals included several top-ranking commanders and committee members who collectively carried bounties totaling Rs 68 lakh. Among the most notable figures were:
- Soni alias Bali Vatte Mattami - Divisional committee member with a reward of ₹16 lakh
- Budari alias Rambatti Mattami - Area committee secretary of the Indravati Area Committee with ₹16 lakh reward
- Sukhlal Bolga Koksa - Commander of the west bureau supply team
- Shanti alias Somari Ganga Telami - Party committee member of the west bureau supply team
These surrenders have effectively dismantled the once-dreaded Maoist military formation known as Company 10. According to senior officials within the anti-Naxal apparatus, only six cadres - including four women - remain active in the dense forests of the region.
Decimation of Notorious Company 10 Formation
The tottering Company 10 formation had gained notoriety for conducting ambushes, extortion activities, and attacks on security forces. In response, C-60 commandos supported by advanced surveillance technology including drones and satellite imagery have moved swiftly to decimate this Maoist military wing through coordinated cordon-and-search operations.
"This surrender represents a major victory in our ongoing campaign against Left-wing extremism," stated a senior police official familiar with the operation. "The dismantling of Company 10 significantly weakens the Maoist infrastructure in this critical region."
Surge in Desertions and Government Strategy
The recent surrenders come amid a noticeable surge in desertions from Maoist ranks, driven by multiple factors including disillusionment with Maoist ideology, frustration over violence against civilians, and the attractive surrender-cum-rehabilitation policy implemented by the Maharashtra government.
This guerrilla exodus from the jungles follows the landmark October 2025 surrender of politburo member Mallojula Venugopal Rao alias Bhupathi along with 61 others before Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Since 2025, over 123 guerrillas have laid down their arms, marking a significant trend away from extremist activities.
Shrinking Maoist Footprint and Rehabilitation Efforts
The Maoist footprint, which once spread across all 10 sub-divisions of Gadchiroli district, is now restricted to border pockets in Bhamragad. Senior officials attribute this success to the state's dual strategy of "development and decisive action" which has yielded substantial results.
The rehabilitation packages offered by the government include financial incentives ranging from ₹4-8.5 lakh per individual, with additional aid for couples and groups surrendering together. The comprehensive package also provides vocational training and security guarantees to facilitate reintegration into mainstream society.
Appeal to Remaining Cadres
Special IGP (ANO) Sandip Patil, DIG Ankit Goyal, and SP Gadchiroli Neelotpal have jointly appealed to the remaining six cadres - particularly the women members - to surrender and join the mainstream, assuring them of full protection and support through the rehabilitation process.
As the countdown to Home Minister Amit Shah's March 31 deadline intensifies, C-60 teams remain on high alert with the objective of either neutralizing or securing the surrender of the final remnants of Maoist activity in the region.
The successful dismantling of Company 10 through these surrenders represents a significant milestone in the ongoing campaign against Left-wing extremism in Maharashtra, demonstrating the effectiveness of combined security operations and rehabilitation initiatives.
