Overview
- Deva, a senior PLGA battalion commander and close associate of slain leader Madvi Hidma, gave himself up to DGP B Shivadhar Reddy in Hyderabad.
- The group turned over 48 firearms, including LMGs, AK-47s, INSAS and SLR rifles, an Israel‑made Tavor and a US‑made Colt, along with 2,206 rounds and ₹20.30 lakh in cash.
- The DGP said the surrender leaves only one senior functionary of the Telangana State Committee underground and signals a decisive weakening of Maoist operations.
- State committee member Kankanala Raji Reddy alias Venkatesh was among those who surrendered, with police citing sustained security pressure, shrinking support networks and internal rifts.
- Authorities are processing benefits under the surrender‑cum‑rehabilitation policy, with interim payments made and about ₹1.82 crore in eligible rewards to be disbursed; police say Deva carried rewards totaling roughly ₹75 lakh.