In a significant development just ahead of the government’s deadline to declare Bastar Naxal-free, Papa Rao, the last major Naxal cadre in the region, surrendered along with his armed group. Papa Rao, a 56-year-old senior member of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee, turned himself in at Kutru police station in Bijapur district, carrying weapons including an AK-47. Security forces seized multiple firearms from his group, including AK-47 rifles and an INSAS rifle.
Papa Rao, who led the West Bastar Division Committee and was a key figure in the Naxal movement, was known as one of the most wanted Naxalites in Bastar. Home Minister and Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma confirmed the surrender, stating that with Papa Rao’s decision, the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee now has no active members left. The surrender of Papa Rao marks a significant blow to the Naxal outfit’s West Bastar Divisional Committee.
The Chhattisgarh government has lauded Papa Rao’s surrender as a milestone in eradicating armed Naxalism from Bastar. However, concerns have been raised by the State Congress, with Party president Deepal Baij seeking assurances from the government to prevent potential tribal harassment post the Naxal deadline. Baij emphasized the need to safeguard innocent tribal individuals from wrongful Naxalite accusations and arrests.
