Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, during his day-long visit to once-naxalite-affected Gadchiroli district said that around 12 naxals, having a total bounty of over Rs 1 crore, surrendered before him in Gadhchiroli.
While speaking to the media, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis called on the remaining Naxals to surrender, warning that stringent action would be taken against those who refuse to do so.
"Today, around 12 naxals with a total bounty of over Rs 1 crore surrendered before me here. This is a big blow to Naxalism. The Naxals want to join the mainstream now. I believe this is a significant incident. There are very few Naxals left in the state today. I urge them to surrender. If they do not surrender, then action will be taken against them," the Maharashtra CM said.
According to a press release from the Office of the Superintendent of Police, Gadchiroli, a total of 704 active Maoists have surrendered to the district police so far. The latest group of 12 senior cadres surrendered in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
The surrendered individuals were identified as Sapana (55), Ramdas (55), Shivlal (60), Pushpa (55), Kosa Kumma Gota (35, Commander of Kutul LOS), Durgi (35), Ajay (27), Sangita (40), Savita (35), Anju (25), Aruna (30), and Dilip (28).
The statement also mentioned that the Central and Maharashtra governments have announced cash rewards for the surrendered Naxals as part of their rehabilitation, with the amount depending on their position and the reward earlier placed on them.
The release stated that after surrendering, Sapana, Ramdas, Shivlal, and Pushpa will each receive Rs 8.5 lakhs as rehabilitation rewards announced by the Central and Maharashtra governments.
Kosa Kumma Gota will get Rs 5.5 lakhs, Durgi and Ajay will receive Rs 5 lakhs each, while Sangita, Savita, Anju, and Aruna will be given Rs 4.5 lakhs each. Dilip will also receive ₹5 lakhs as a reward for rehabilitation.
Additionally, the state government has announced an extra Rs 1.5 lakhs as assistance for Maoist couples who surrender, such as Shivlal Pada and his wife Pushpa.
Following the surrender, a mass wedding ceremony was held where 13 former Naxal couples got married in the presence of Chief Minister Fadnavis. He said, ““They not only surrendered but also joined the mainstream. This ceremony marks a new beginning for them.”
Earlier today, CM Fadnavis toured the Kawande Police Outpost situated on the Maharashtra-Chhattisgarh border in Gadchiroli district.
This outpost was established by Maharashtra Police in March this year.
Speaking to ANI, CM Fadnavis pointed out that earlier, even government officials couldn’t access this area, but with the Maharashtra Police establishing an outpost here, security has been restored for the local people.
"Kawande is like the first village at the border or the village that comes first after entry from Chhattisgarh. There is the Abujhmarh forest nearby, and even the administration could not reach here. But our Police opened an outpost here. Due to this outpost, not just Police dominance, but we also filled a security vacuum. We also set up a 4G tower here. Police provided security, and we provide government schemes through this outpost. So, this has built confidence among people," CM Fadnavis asserted.
Speaking on the deadline to eliminate naxalism, the Maharashtra CM emphasised that under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has pledged that the country will be Naxalism-free by March 2026.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
