Senior Maoist leader Chelluri Narayana Rao, also known as Suresh, a key figure in the CPI-Maoist’s Central Committee and Secretary of Andhra Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee, surrendered to the Andhra Pradesh Police. Alongside him, eight other cadres also turned themselves in to the authorities. Director General of Police Harish Kumar Gupta presented the surrendered Maoists to the media, highlighting their decision to surrender voluntarily.
Hailing from the Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh, Narayana Rao dedicated 36 years to the CPI-Maoist organization, holding various positions within the group. Notably, he was wanted with a reward of Rs 25 lakh on his head. Narayana Rao, who joined the Maoist movement in 1990, was involved in several significant criminal activities, including the killings of MLA Kidari Sarveswara Rao and former MLA Siveri Someswara Rao in Visakhapatnam district in 2018, as well as the murder of three police officers.
The surrender of senior cadres like Narayana Rao is attributed to various factors, including the changing landscape within the Maoist movement. Reasons cited for surrender include the waning support for Maoist ideology, decreased public backing, the allure of the surrender and rehabilitation policy of the Andhra Pradesh government, as well as the extensive outreach efforts by the police and government in tribal areas, which have effectively distanced tribals from the Maoist cause.
Kartam Lachhu, along with several other Maoist members, also surrendered alongside Narayana Rao. As part of the surrender process, the Andhra Pradesh government will provide the surrendered Maoists with rewards corresponding to the bounties on their heads. Narayana Rao is set to receive Rs 25 lakh, while the other cadres will be compensated with amounts ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh each.
