Overview

• Rao, also known as Sonu or Bhupati, turned himself in with roughly 60–62 cadres in the Gadchiroli region on the night of October 13–14, according to police and multiple outlets.
• They handed over 54 weapons, including AK-47s and INSAS rifles, and were transported from the surrender site near Fodewada in Bhamragad to district police headquarters.
• The group includes senior ranks beyond Rao: two zonal committee members, 10 divisional committee members, DKSZC members and other dalam cadres from Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh.
• Maharashtra authorities were preparing a formal announcement, with police indicating the cadres are under protection and a ceremonial laying down of arms before the Chief Minister is expected.
• Rao’s recent letters urging a halt to armed struggle exposed an internal split; officials describe the surrender as a significant setback for the outfit and say it could encourage further defections, noting his Rs 6 crore bounty and his wife Tarakka’s earlier surrender.