Sukma, Jul 12: 23 Maoist insurgents have surrendered before the police in Sukma district, marking a significant step in the government’s anti-Naxal initiative.

Among those, one has been identified as Lokesh, a key operative allegedly involved in the 2012 abduction of former Sukma District Collector Alex Paul Menon—a case that shook the nation.

The surrendered individuals had a combined reward of Rs 1.18 crore on their heads for involvement in multiple extremist activities. Their decision to renounce violence is being viewed as a hopeful sign of diminishing Maoist influence in the region.

The formal surrender took place in front of Sukma Superintendent of Police Kiran Chauhan and CRPF DIG Anand Singh Rajpurohit, with full security protocol.

The administration has assured rehabilitation support under government policies aimed at reintegrating former rebels into mainstream society.

read more National News