The last senior Maoist commander in Bastar region, Babarao, is likely to surrender on Tuesday amid intense pressure from authorities, people familiar with the matter said, adding that he had reached out to a local journalist to facilitate the process. Security agencies have intensified their intelligence operations across South Bastar over the past week, restricting Babarao’s movement and weakening his support network.
Paparao, also known as Sunam Chandraya, Mangu Dada and Chandraanna, carries a bounty of $25 lakh and serves as State Zonal Committee Member (SZCM) and in-charge of West Bastar division. According to police and intelligence sources, the Maoist leader, who is between 52 and 55 years old, recently made contact with a local journalist and requested help in starting surrender negotiations with the authorities.
A person familiar with the developments said: “Initial contacts were made through an intermediary. He appears ready to explore surrender options as pressure on him mounts significantly.”
Babarao is currently believed to be operating in the Indravati National Park area along the Chhattisgarh-Maharashtra border, a core Maoist region known for its dense forest cover. Babarao was commanding about 30-35 armed cadres and is now said to be moving with a much smaller group of at least five cadres.
The recent confrontations have further isolated Babarao, people familiar with the matter said. Over the weekend, six Maoists were killed in operations in Bijapur district, including senior cadre Dilip Bidja, who is considered close to Babarao and involved in logistics and coordination. Another official said: “His division has been divided and local support systems have been weakened by constant operations, arrests and surrenders. This has created favorable conditions for a possible surrender.”
Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range) Sunderaj P had previously said that the Maoist presence in Bastar has been reduced to a few scattered groups, with the remaining leaders under constant pressure.
The officials said security forces intensified combing operations and took control of the area across the Indravati-Abujmad belt as part of the final push to dismantle the remaining Maoist leadership in the region.
