In a major success for anti-Maoist operations, two Maoists surrendered to the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and local police in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, on December 21. Both individuals had bounties totalling Rs 8 lakh on their heads and were part of a diminishing but persistent insurgent movement in the state.
The surrendered Maoists have been identified as 55-year-old Ramasu Durgus Poyam, alias Narsingh, and 25-year-old Ramesh Kunjam, alias Govind. Ramasu hails from Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, while Ramesh is from Chhattisgarh. According to police reports, family pressure and intensified operations by the Gadchiroli police were pivotal factors in their decision to surrender.
Both individuals will be eligible for Rs 4.5 lakh each under the joint rehabilitation policy of the central and Maharashtra governments. This program encourages Maoists to reintegrate into society and abandon their armed struggle.
Ramasu Durgus Poyam (Alias Narsingh), age, 55 Joined the Tipagadh LOS (Local Organising Squad) in 1992. Later, he became part of Kutul and Nelnar LOS in 2010, eventually rising to the rank of Area Committee Member. Ramasu has been implicated in 12 cases, including six encounters, five murders, and one dacoity. A bounty of 6 lakh was announced by the authorities. Known for his involvement in five brutal murders and other violent insurgent activities.
Ramesh Kunjam (Alias Govind), age, 25, joined the Maoists in 2019 and became a member of the Chetna Natya Manch (CNM) in 2020, participating in cultural propaganda for the movement. By 2021, he had progressed to working with the Kutul LOS. He had a bounty of Rs 2 lakh announced by the authorities. Actively engaged in promoting the Naxalite ideology and participating in local insurgent operations.
Since 2022, a total of 33 Maoists have surrendered in Maharashtra, with 20 of these surrenders occurring in 2024. Gadchiroli, along with Gondia, remains one of the last bastions of Maoist influence in the state. Today, only 70 active Maoist are believed to operate in Maharashtra, down from significantly higher numbers in previous decades.
No ambushes have been reported in Gadchiroli since 2015, reflecting the success of coordinated police and CRPF operations. The C-60 unit, formed in 1990, plays a critical role in combating Naxalites. This elite unit, comprising personnel from Maoist-affected areas, has been instrumental in eliminating threats at the state’s borders.
The Maharashtra government’s rehabilitation policy has been a key factor in reducing the activity of the Maoists. Under this initiative, surrendered individuals are offered financial support and assistance to reintegrate into society. Gadchiroli Superintendent of Police (SP) Neelotpal affirmed the administration’s commitment to helping those who choose to abandon violence and embrace democratic means of expression.
The Inspector General (IG) of Naxal Operations in Maharashtra has noted that most Maoist movement stems from neighbouring Chhattisgarh. Strict border vigilance and proactive measures have ensured that Maharashtra remains largely insulated from their influence. “If Maoists enter our borders, they are neutralised,” the IG stated, emphasising the effectiveness of operations in maintaining peace.
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