Daijiworld Media Network - Gadchiroli

Gadchiroli, Oct 14: In what could be a turning point in India’s decades-long battle against left-wing extremism, unconfirmed reports suggest that top Maoist leader Mallojula Venugopal Rao — better known by his aliases Sonu 'Dada' and Bhupati — has surrendered along with 60 Maoist cadres in Maharashtra’s insurgency-hit Gadchiroli district.

While official confirmation from law enforcement agencies remains pending, sources indicate that the group laid down arms deep within the forests of Gadchiroli — a region historically considered a Maoist stronghold. If verified, this would represent the largest mass surrender in the history of the Communist Party of India (Maoist), potentially delivering a serious blow to the group's operational strength.

Authorities are urging caution, requesting the public and media to await verified information due to the sensitive nature of ongoing operations. The Maharashtra Police and central agencies have not yet issued formal statements.

Sonu Dada, a senior figure within the Maoist command structure, had previously hinted at a willingness to surrender — a rare move that reportedly caused significant unrest within the ranks. Sources suggest that his open declaration of intent may have triggered internal dissent, prompting splits and defections within the organization.

Those reported to have surrendered include both male and female cadres, many of whom were lower-ranking operatives. Security personnel are currently interrogating the group to gather intelligence on Maoist infrastructure, hideouts, and future strategies.

This development comes as government forces intensify counter-insurgency operations across eastern Maharashtra. The region has also seen increasing impact from the Naxal Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy, which provides ex-insurgents with legal amnesty, financial support, and vocational training to ease their transition back into civilian life.

Should the reports prove true, Sonu Dada’s surrender could deal a significant strategic blow to Maoist leadership networks. He is believed to have masterminded several high-profile attacks and held considerable sway over local militant operations.

Security has been heightened across Gadchiroli, and civil rights groups are calling for humane treatment and fair legal processing for the surrendered individuals. As the situation unfolds, analysts view the event as a potential outcome of sustained intelligence coordination and successful community engagement strategies.

Though speculation continues in the absence of official confirmation, the reported defection may signal the beginning of a broader unraveling within Maoist ranks — a possibility being watched closely by both policymakers and security experts.