Sun Feb 02 11:17:21 UTC 2025: ## Maoist Activist Surrenders in Udupi, Karnataka

**Mangaluru, February 2, 2025** – Tombattu Lakshmi, a Maoist activist from Udupi district, surrendered to authorities on Sunday, marking the eighth surrender in recent days and bringing the total number of Maoist surrenders in Karnataka to 21. Lakshmi, a native of Tombattu village, cited a lack of basic amenities in her village, including road connectivity, water, and healthcare, as a reason for her decision. She stated that she was inspired by the recent surrenders of six other Maoists and the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s surrender policy. There was no pressure involved in her surrender, she claimed.

According to Shripal Gowda, a member of the state committee overseeing the surrender policy, Lakshmi’s surrender signifies the end of active Kannadiga participation in the Maoist movement. The majority of Maoist-related cases are concentrated in Udupi, Chikkamagaluru, and Shivamogga districts. The committee plans to petition the Karnataka High Court for a special court to expedite trials for surrendered Maoists. Lakshmi’s husband surrendered to Andhra Pradesh authorities four years ago and had all charges against him dropped.

Udupi Superintendent of Police K. Arun confirmed that three cases dating back to 2007 and 2008, including charges related to an exchange of fire with the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF), threats, assault, and distribution of Maoist pamphlets, were registered against Lakshmi. She had been at large since 2007. The police attribute her surrender to sustained efforts by local and state police, including the ANF.

Udupi Deputy Commissioner K. Vidyakumari stated that Lakshmi has been classified in the “A” category under the state’s surrender policy, making her eligible for ₹7 lakh in compensation, which will be disbursed in installments. Lakshmi’s husband and family members were present during her surrender. She will undergo a medical examination and appear before a court before being taken into police custody for questioning.

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