Telangana declared free of Maoist armed formations

With 42 Maoists surrendering, 11 of them from the TSC, the state is completely free of CPI (Maoist) armed formations, DGP B Shivadhar Reddy said on Friday

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

Telangana Director General of Police B Shivadhar Reddy on Friday declared the state “completely free” of CPI (Maoist) armed formations following the surrender of 42 Maoists, including 11 from the Telangana State Committee (TSC).

Among those who laid down arms was Sodi Malla alias Keshal, commander of the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) Battalion. With the surrender of all key TSC leaders and cadres, Reddy said the committee has been fully neutralised and no longer exists.

The surrendered Maoists handed over 36 firearms, including five AK-47 rifles, four SLRs, two country-made grenades, over 1,000 rounds of ammunition, and 800 grams of gold. “With today’s surrenders, the entire Telangana State Committee has been dismantled, eliminating its organisational presence. Telangana is now free of armed Naxal activity,” the DGP said.

He described the surrender of PLGA Battalion cadres—considered a critical armed wing of the CPI (Maoist)—as a major breakthrough, effectively dismantling the outfit’s operational strength in the state.

Reddy confirmed that police are taking the help of surrendered cadres to identify and defuse IEDs and pressure bombs. “These explosives pose a serious threat to civilians, farmers, and travellers. Using their knowledge is necessary for public safety,” he said.

Highlighting rehabilitation efforts, the DGP said surrendered cadres are receiving financial assistance and are now able to reconnect with families and reintegrate into society. A reward of ₹1.93 crore was distributed among the 42 individuals.

Between 2024 and 2026, a total of 761 Maoists have surrendered in Telangana, handing over 302 firearms. In 2026 alone, 205 cadres have surrendered so far, reflecting growing trust in the government’s rehabilitation policy and sustained pressure from security forces.

The DGP noted a sharp decline in Maoist presence, with the number of cadres native to Telangana dropping from 125 in 2023 to just five in 2026. These remaining members are currently operating outside the state, including in Chhattisgarh.

Addressing controversies, Reddy dismissed claims that some surrenders were actually arrests, stating that those arrested would be in jail, while surrendered cadres are free.

He also said former CPI (Maoist) general secretary Muppala Laxman Rao is alive but no longer in the forests.

Reiterating the government’s appeal, Reddy urged the remaining cadres to surrender and benefit from rehabilitation schemes. He added that health cards for all surrendered cadres are being processed as promised by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, ensuring access to medical care and support for rebuilding their lives.