Bastar, March 24: In a significant development in Chhattisgarh’s Maoist-affected Bastar region, security forces achieved a major success. Maoist commander Papa Rao, also known as Sunnam Chandraiah or Mangu, along with 17 associates, surrendered today.
Papa Rao surrendered at the Kutaru police station in Bijapur district, accompanied by 10 male and 8 female Maoists. During the surrender, authorities recovered eight AK-47 rifles, one SLR, and one INSAS rifle from their possession. They were subsequently taken to Jagdalpur.
After the surrender, Papa Rao stated, “The police operations in the interior areas and the continuous establishment of police camps have significantly weakened the Maoist organization. Following the deaths of several top leaders in various encounters and the surrender of many comrades, we made this decision. Now, we want to live a normal life in accordance with the Constitution of India.”
He further emphasized that the fight for the people’s interests will continue without arms. Papa Rao urged other active Maoists to also lay down their weapons and surrender to the government, committing to serve the public under the policies of the Indian Constitution.
Chhattisgarh’s Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma hailed this surrender as historic, claiming that no active members remain in the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee. He asserted that Bastar will be declared completely free of Maoists by March 31, 2026.
Papa Rao faced over 45 cases, including significant Maoist attacks like the Tadmetla incident, and had a bounty of 2.5 million rupees on his head. Continuous pressure from security forces, development initiatives, and stringent operations have demoralized the Maoists.
Police officials reported that Papa Rao’s surrender has severely weakened the southern Bastar region, marking a significant step towards the Chhattisgarh government’s goal of a “Naxal-free Chhattisgarh.”
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