Telangana declared free of Maoist armed activity after 42 cadres surrender

Telangana has officially been declared free of Maoist armed activity following the surrender of 42 CPI (Maoist) cadres, including senior commanders, to the state police. The cadres handed over 36 firearms, over 1,000 rounds of ammunition, and 800 grams of gold. DGP B Shivadhar Reddy confirmed that cumulative surrenders since 2024 have neutralised the PLGA in the state.

Hyderabad: Telangana has now been declared free from Maoist armed activity, marking a significant milestone in counter-insurgency efforts, following the surrender of 42 CPI (Maoist) cadres, including top commanders, before the state police on Friday.

Among those who joined the mainstream are key leaders such as Sodi Malla alias Keshal alias Nikhil, a PLGA Battalion Commander and DKSZC member, Chapa Narayana alias Gajendar alias Madhu, State Committee member and JMMWP DVC Secretary and Kadthi Sannu alias Manthu, DVC Member of the BK-ASR division.

The surrendered cadres handed over a large cache of weapons, including 36 firearms – AK-47 rifles, SLRs, INSAS rifles, .303 rifles, a 9mm Sten gun, pistols, revolvers and other arms, along with 1,007 rounds of live ammunition. Additionally, 800 grams of gold was surrendered.

Announcing their surrender, DGP B Shivadhar Reddy said the latest development comes in continuation of earlier surrenders involving senior Maoist leaders and 130 cadres who had laid down 124 firearms. “With these cumulative surrenders, the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA), the armed wing of CPI (Maoist), has been effectively neutralised in the State,” he said.

Reward for surrender

For the surrender of 42 underground cadres along with weapons, the total eligible reward amount of Rs 1.93 crore will be disbursed. A total of 41 cadres, native of Chhattisgarh state an interim relief of Rs 25,000 each have been handed over to the surrendered cadres, with the balance amount to be disbursed after completion of documentation and opening of bank accounts.

The health of all cadres surrendered in Telangana, irrespective of their native place, was being duly taken care of. Health Cards for all cadres who surrendered between 2024 and 2026 in Telangana are currently under process and will be issued shortly.

Surrenders in 2026

During 2026 so far, a total of 205 underground CPI (Maoist) cadres have surrendered in Telangana. In addition, 206 firearms have been recovered this year alone.

Only five active UG cadres from TG

Only five active underground cadres from Telangana remain in various formations across the country outside Telangana. They are operating in other states, including Chhattisgarh.

Two among them are Central Committee Members of CPI (Maoist). With Ganapathi, the former General Secretary of the party, away from activity since 2007, though a nominal CCM, he remains the only significant cadre left from Telangana, considering the history of PW/CPI (Maoist).