Overview

• In Dantewada, 71 Maoists surrendered under the Lon Varratu drive, including 30 on reward lists totaling Rs 64 lakh, three minors, and 21 women.
• Each person received Rs 50,000 upfront with access to benefits under Chhattisgarh’s Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy 2025 and the Niyed Nella Naar scheme, according to officials.
• The mass handover followed the Sept. 22 encounter in Abujhmad where two CPI (Maoist) Central Committee members were killed, further tightening pressure in Bastar.
• Separately in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli, six senior cadres laid down arms before DGP Rashmi Shukla, with rewards posted up to Rs 16 lakh and rehabilitation assistance announced between Rs 4.5 lakh and Rs 8.5 lakh.
• Chhattisgarh authorities report intensified operations since late 2023 have neutralised hundreds and led to more than 1,700 Maoists joining the mainstream.