Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

Hyderabad, Nov 22: In a major development against the banned CPI (Maoist), 37 underground cadres, including three State Committee Members (SCMs), surrendered to the Telangana Police on Saturday, marking a significant blow to the organisation.

Among those surrendering were SCMs Koyyada Sambaiah alias Azad, Appasi Narayana alias Ramesh (Telangana State Committee), and Muchaki Somada alias Erra (Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee). The group also included three Divisional Committee Members (DVCMs), nine Area Committee Members (ACMs), and 22 party members. Seven cadres handed over eight firearms — including an AK-47, two SLRs, four .303 rifles, and a G3 rifle — along with 343 rounds of ammunition.

The decision to surrender comes amid sustained pressure from security forces, internal ideological differences, and leadership rifts within the CPI (Maoist), officials said. The move follows an appeal by Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on October 21, urging cadres to abandon violence, join the mainstream, and participate in the state’s development.

DGP B. Shivadhar Reddy described the surrender as a “positive and constructive response” and a step toward reintegration into civil society. The cadres have been assured of rehabilitation and reintegration measures, with cash rewards distributed according to rank — SCMs received Rs 20 lakh each, DVCMs Rs 5 lakh, ACMs Rs 4 lakh, and party members Rs 1 lakh each. Additional incentives were granted for surrendered firearms, bringing the total reward to Rs 1.41 crore.

This surrender is part of a broader trend: during 2025, 465 underground Maoist cadres, including Central and State Committee members, have joined the mainstream in Telangana. The DGP noted that the CPI (Maoist) is experiencing a sharp decline in strength due to sustained security operations, internal conflicts, and growing disillusionment among cadres.

“The gap between the leadership’s ideology and on-ground realities, combined with internal rifts, has weakened organisational cohesion and contributed to frustration among cadres, prompting many to opt for a peaceful and dignified life,” the DGP said.

Authorities reiterated their appeal to remaining underground cadres in Telangana to renounce violence, return to mainstream society, and contribute to the state’s development and progress.