Chhattisgarh, Jul 25: Just days ahead of the commencement of Anti-Maoist Week on July 28, left-wing extremist groups have suffered a major setback across Chhattisgarh as several Maoists laid down arms before police.

On Thursday, five Maoists in Sukma and eight in Narayanpur surrendered before police.

The most significant breakthrough came in Dantewada district, where 15 Maoists—including five individuals with Rs 17 lakh bounties on their heads—turned themselves in to Superintendent of Police (SP) and CRPF officials.

These former insurgents were reportedly active for over two decades and involved in multiple violent incidents.

Security forces have intensified operations across Maoist-affected regions, leading to growing pressure and a wave of fear among ranks of the banned outfit.

Additional surrenders were reported in Bijapur district, where 25 Maoists handed themselves over to Bastar IG Sundarraj P. Among them was a key figure—a Southern Zonal Committee Member (SZCM)—with a government-declared reward of Rs 25 lakh. Collectively, the group carried a bounty of over Rs 1.15 crore announced by the Chhattisgarh government.

Authorities confirmed that the surrendered individuals will be rehabilitated in line with state protocols. According to Dantewada ASP Udit Pushkar, the government is committed to providing reintegration support under its surrender and rehabilitation scheme.

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