Mon Mar 30 12:13:10 UTC 2026: # Key Maoist Leaders Surrender, Police Declare Andhra Pradesh Naxal-Free

The Story:
In a significant development just ahead of the central government’s deadline to eliminate Maoism, nine members of the banned CPI-(Maoist), including Central Committee member Chelluri Narayana Rao, alias Somanna, surrendered to Andhra Pradesh police in Vijayawada on Monday, March 30, 2026. Director General of Police (DGP) Harish Kumar Gupta declared Andhra Pradesh a Naxal-free State following the surrender.

The surrendered Maoists turned in a cache of weapons, including an INSAS rifle and BGL weapons. They were also given immediate relief of ₹20,000 each. Chelluri Narayana Rao, who had a ₹25 lakh reward on his head, was involved in several high-profile killings, including those of MLA Kidari Sarveswara Rao and former MLA Siveri Someswara Rao in 2018.

Key Points:

  • Nine Maoists, including CCM Chelluri Narayana Rao, surrendered on March 30, 2026.
  • DGP Harish Kumar Gupta declared Andhra Pradesh a Naxal-free State.
  • The surrendered Maoists turned in a variety of weapons, including an INSAS rifle and BGL weapons.
  • Chelluri Narayana Rao carried a reward of ₹25 lakh and was involved in the killings of prominent political figures.
  • Kartam Lachhu, another surrendered Maoist, was involved in the Tekkulaguda ambush in April 2021, in which 22 police were killed.
  • The surrendered Maoists received ₹20,000 each as immediate relief.
  • The Centre has set the deadline for elimination of Maoism in the country on March 31, 2026.

Key Takeaways:

  • The surrender of key Maoist leaders represents a major victory for Andhra Pradesh police and potentially signals a significant decline in Maoist activity in the region.
  • The timing of the surrender, just before the central government’s deadline, suggests increased pressure on Maoist groups.
  • The high-profile nature of the surrendered individuals, and their involvement in past violent incidents, highlights the impact of this event on the overall security situation.

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