A 26-year-old Maoist cadre, Bijlu Mandavi, surrendered in Narayanpur district, Chhattisgarh, marking a success in anti-Naxal operations. Mandavi, who carried a one lakh rupees reward on his head, belonged to the CPI Maoist organization’s North-West Joint Sub-Zonal Bureau technical department. He renounced violence and laid down his arms in the presence of Superintendent of Police Robinson Gudiya.
His surrender was part of the state government’s Poona Margem Rehabilitation to Rejuvenation initiative, aimed at encouraging Maoist cadres to reintegrate into society. Mandavi expressed disillusionment with the Maoist ideology and the futility of armed struggle as reasons for his decision. This surrender aligns with the government’s goal to eradicate left-wing extremism by March 2026, strongly supported by the Union Home Ministry.
In a coordinated effort with paramilitary forces, Narayanpur police seized a significant cache of weapons and ammunition from Maoist hideouts in the district’s dense forests. These recoveries are expected to disrupt local Maoist activities. Chhattisgarh has seen a rise in surrenders, particularly in districts like Narayanpur, Bijapur, and Sukma, under the Poona Margem campaign.
Security officials attribute these surrenders to the pressure from joint operations by security forces and developmental initiatives in tribal areas. SP Robinson Gudiya commended Mandavi’s decision and assured him of full support for his rehabilitation. He urged other Maoist cadres to follow suit, emphasizing the government’s commitment to providing a secure and dignified life for those opting for peace.
