Overview

• The group surrendered late Monday near Fodewada in Bhamragad and was brought to Gadchiroli police headquarters after handing over 54 weapons, including seven AK-47s and nine INSAS rifles.
• Those who laid down arms include a Politburo/Central Committee figure, two zonal committee members and ten divisional committee members, according to police sources.
• Gadchiroli Police’s intelligence cell and C-60 commandos facilitated the surrender, which officials said was months in the making.
• Mallojula Venugopal Rao, also known as Sonu or Bhupathi and the brother of slain leader Kishenji, had circulated letters urging a cessation of armed struggle, highlighting a deep ideological split.
• Officials credit sustained security pressure and rehabilitation policies for the laydown and say further defections are likely, with a formal public ceremony planned in Gadchiroli on Wednesday.