Hyderabad, April 25, 2026: In a significant development in anti-Maoist operations, Telangana Director General of Police (DGP) announced that a total of 47 underground Maoist cadres surrendered before the Telangana Police and joined the mainstream of public life.
Among those who surrendered are key leaders, including Hemla Itu @ Vijja, a member of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC) and in-charge of the South Bastar Divisional Committee, and Podiyam Lachhu @ Manoj, a Divisional Committee Member and Commander of the 9th Platoon.
These cadres, belonging to the South Bastar Division of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC), took the decision to surrender after being attracted by the rehabilitation policy provided by the Telangana government.
The surrendered Maoists handed over 32 weapons along with 515 rounds of ammunition of various calibres to the police.
Speaking on the occasion, DGP Shivdhar Reddy said the surrendered Maoists handed over 32 weapons to the police. He announced a rehabilitation package of ₹1.20 crore for each, along with Central Government incentives and free health cards, assuring full support for their return to the mainstream.
#WATCH | Hyderabad, Telangana | Director General of Police (DGP) of Telangana, B. Shivadhar Reddy says, "Today, 47 Maoist cadres surrendered, belonging to the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee, People's Liberation Guerrilla Army and 9th and 30th platoons of South Buster… pic.twitter.com/G77Jghcxmx
— ANI (@ANI) April 25, 2026
He noted that the mass surrender comes amid the recent Jharkhand encounter and the expiry of the Centre’s deadline, clarifying that all those who surrendered are from Chhattisgarh, with none from Telangana.
Appreciating the Special Intelligence Branch, he added that 260 Maoists have surrendered in Telangana so far in 2026, and only four cadres from the state remain underground outside Telangana.
Weapons surrendered: 1 LMG; 4 AK-47 rifles; 3 SLR rifles; 2 INSAS rifles; 2 .410 musket rifles; 1 8mm rifle; 12 single-shot guns; 1 9mm pistol; 1 revolver; 2 BGL guns; 2 air guns; 1 SBBL gun; along with 515 rounds of ammunition of various calibres.
The surrendered cadres: PLGA Battalion – 4; Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC) – 28; 9th & 30th Platoons, South Bastar Divisional Committee (DVC) – 15; total – 47 cadres.
As per police, with the surrender of key leaders, including the South Bastar Divisional Committee (DVC) Secretary, along with armed cadres, the South Bastar DVC has now reached the verge of complete neutralisation.
