Overview
- Ten cadres from the Kanha-Bhoramdeo division of the MMC zone laid down arms in Balaghat in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, with police citing a combined bounty of ₹2.36 crore.
- The group included senior figure Surendra alias Kabir, as well as three other men and four women, with names released by police and slight variations reported across outlets.
- Surrendered materiel included two AK-47s, two INSAS rifles, an SLR, two single-shot rifles, seven BGL cells, five detonators, four walkie-talkies and more than 100 rounds of ammunition.
- Hawk Force officials said contact was brokered after a forest guard in Kanha Tiger Reserve relayed a request from the Maoists, leading to their escort to police and formal surrender.
- Yadav said Dindori and Mandla are free of Maoist influence, announced a 15-year rehabilitation package for returnees and set a renewed push in Balaghat from January, as early reports of 11 surrenders were clarified to 10.