Raipur: The surrender of Maoist Politburo member Devoji alias Thipri Tirupati and three other senior activists in Telangana marks a watershed moment in the battle against left-wing extremism, a senior Chhattisgarh police official said.
The gradual weakening of the Maoist leadership structure signals the eventual collapse of the organization and the end of the decades-long bloodshed, Bastar Inspector General of Police Bastar Range Sundaraj Pattilingam said on Tuesday.
He said the top four Maoist cadres — Devoji, Central Committee member Malla Raje Reddy alias Sangram, Telangana State Committee Secretary Baddi Chuka Rao alias Damodar, and Dandakaranya Special District Committee member Gangana — were key figures in the top hierarchy of the banned CPI(M) and spent several decades underground.
“Their surrender represents a watershed moment in the battle against left-wing extremism,” the police official said.
He added that their decision to renounce violence and armed struggle reflects a decisive shift in the reality on the ground and a clear recognition that the space for violence is shrinking, while the scope of peace and development continues to expand.
Pattilingam noted that ongoing operations by security forces in Bastar region – which shares borders with Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Maharashtra – coupled with improved governance and rising aspirations among local communities, have steadily created an environment conducive to change.
He added, “When cadres with this seniority leave after three to four decades of underground work, this confirms the growing awareness within the ranks of the army that the path of extremism has reached its limits.”
He added, “Today’s development is both symbolic and consequential. It sends a strong signal to the remaining cadres that the movement no longer has the authority or conviction it once projected. At the same time, it reinforces public confidence that lasting peace is not an unattainable goal but an emerging reality.”
The IGP said that Bastar region, which has suffered for years of violence and turmoil, is now poised to accelerate its journey towards lasting stability.
He appealed to the remaining cadres to acknowledge the changed circumstances and return to the mainstream, assuring them that the path to rehabilitation and dignified reintegration remains open, even as the security forces remain steadfast in maintaining peace and protecting the people.
“The era of violence is coming to an end, and the future lies in peace, progress and the aspirations of local communities,” Pattilingam stressed.
According to officials, 532 Maoists have been neutralized, 2,704 ultras have surrendered, and 2,004 have been arrested over the past two years in Chhattisgarh.
Among the most notable operations in the state was the killing of Nampala Keshav Rao alias Basavaraju, general secretary and supreme leader of the banned Communist Party of India, along with five members of the Central Committee – Ramachandra Reddy alias Jairam alias Chalpati, Gautam alias Sudhakar, Modem Balakrishna, Raju Dada alias Katha Ramachandra Reddy and Kosa Dada alias Kadari Satyanarayana Reddy.
Some other senior activists in neighboring countries were neutralized or surrendered.
According to officials, only two senior activists, Mupala Laxman Rao alias Ganapathy, Politburo member and Central Committee advisor, and Mushir Besra alias Bhaskar, Politburo member and Central Committee advisor, are still active in the organisation.
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