63 Maoists Surrender In Dantewada Under Chhattisgarh’s ‘Puna Margam’ Campaign

In a decisive political and security breakthrough for Chhattisgarh, 63 Maoist cadres surrendered in Dantewada, delivering a major boost to the state’s anti-Naxal campaign and peace-building push in the Bastar region.

The surrender included 36 cadres carrying cumulative bounties worth Rs 1.19 crore, signalling the growing effectiveness of the government’s rehabilitation-first strategy aimed at dismantling insurgency from within.

The surrender ceremony took place at the District Reserve Guard (DRG) office in Dantewada, where senior police and paramilitary officials formally received the cadres.

The group comprised 45 men and 18 women, many of whom operated across Darbha Division, South Bastar, West Bastar, Maad Division, and border pockets of neighbouring Odisha.

Their decision significantly weakened Maoist operational networks across central India’s most volatile corridor.

Puna Margam Weakens Maoist Grip

Officials confirmed that the group included seven Maoists with Rs 8 lakh bounties each, seven carrying Rs 5 lakh, eight with Rs 2 lakh, eleven with Rs 1 lakh, and three with Rs 50,000 on their heads. Police described the surrender as one of the most impactful in recent months due to its scale and strategic value.

Authorities credited the breakthrough to ‘Puna Margam’, Rehabilitation to Rejuvenation, a focused initiative launched by Dantewada Police to persuade Maoists to abandon violence and rejoin the mainstream.

Inspector General of Police, Bastar Range, Sundarraj Pattilingam, termed the campaign a transformative path that replaces fear with dignity, development, and durable peace.

Senior officers, including DIG (Operations) CRPF Rakesh Chaudhary and SP Dantewada Gaurav Rai, attended the event alongside CRPF commanders and district officials.

Forces such as the DRG, Bastar Fighters, and CRPF played a decisive role through sustained outreach and ground engagement.

Several senior operatives figured among the surrenderees, including DVCM Mohan Kadti, linked to major attacks since 2005, and female cadres Sumitra Kadti and Hungi, associated with encounters, arson, and sabotage.

Under the Chhattisgarh Naxal Rehabilitation Policy, each surrendered cadre will receive financial assistance, skill training, land support, and welfare benefits.

Officials asserted that the combined approach of firm security action and inclusive development continues to push Bastar toward a Naxal-free future.

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