With over a decade of ground experience in the red zone, IG of Bastar region, Chhattisgarh, Sundarraj P, has led from the front in the process of dismantling the Maoist stronghold in Chhattisgarh. In an exclusive interview to Organiser Senior Assistant Editor Nishant Kumar Azad, he talks about recent operations, irreversible change taking shape in Bastar and future of Red Terror in the State. Excerpts:
You called May 21, 2025, a historic day after the killing of Basavaraju Rao. Why was his elimination so significant?
The 21st of May marked a turning point not just for Bastar but for the entire nation. We recovered the body of Basavaraju Rao along with 26 other Maoists. This was not just a tactical success. Basavaraju was responsible for thousands of civilian deaths and hundreds of casualties among security personnel. We are very close to end the violent chapter of Maoism.
What role has the District Reserve Guard (DRG) played in recent successful operations?
A huge one. DRG is composed entirely of local youth, tribal boys and girls who are familiar with the terrain, culture, and even the tactics of the Maoists. Around 10–15 per cent of DRG personnel are surrendered Maoists. These units are highly motivated because they are fighting for their people and land.
You have been in this region for more than a decade. How has the ground reality changed?
The change is dramatic. The anti-Maoist strategy now rests on four verticals: operations, development, connectivity, and community outreach. Operationally, our forces have gained immense experience and coordination. Developmentally, our camps in remote areas now serve as hubs for education, healthcare, and rations. Roads, bridges, and even mobile towers are connecting this region to the outside world. And through community outreach, we have replaced fear with trust.
How are you engaging the youth and stopping them from joining Maoists?
We run civic programs in local languages like Gondi and Halbi, through community policing and civic action. Events like the Bastar Olympics 2024 saw participation from over 1.65 lakh youth. Our cultural festival, Bastar Pandum, revived tribal identity and pride that Maoists had tried to erase. These initiatives are reconnecting youth with their roots, not with violence.
Do Maoists have ties with other insurgent or terror outfits?
Historically, CPI (Maoist) has had links with various domestic and international outfits. There are documented connections with LTTE, and inputs about affiliations with groups under the CCOMPOSA umbrella (Coordination Committee of Maoist Parties and Organisations of South Asia). After Basavaraju’s death, even foreign groups expressed solidarity, which shows the extent of their nexus.
What is the strength of Maoists now in Bastar?
Their numbers are dwindling. In the past two seasons, over 410 were killed, 1,400 surrendered, and many were arrested. The top leadership is now down to 8–10 Central Committee members. Only a few hundred armed cadres remain. Their backbone is broken. We expect many more to surrender soon. After Basavaraju, there is no successor. Madvi Hidma and others have only two options – either surrender or meet the same fate.
Is the goal of a Maoist-free India by 2026 realistic?
Absolutely. The number of Left-Wing Extremism-affected districts has dropped to 18 nationwide, with two in Bastar now in the “legacy and thrust” category. Massive infrastructure, better connectivity, and strong intelligence have changed the game. We are on the brink of history.
