The fight against Naxalism scored a massive win with the surrender of top commander Devji in Telangana. The Maoist leader, who went by multiple names including Thippiri Tirupati, Mallav Raju Reddy, Murali, and Sangram, handed over his arsenal to police in Jagtial district. This occurs mere days ahead of the government’s March 2026 target to end armed rebellion.
Devji was a key architect of Naxal violence in Chhattisgarh, leading the PLGA and evading capture despite a Rs 1 crore bounty. A Telangana native, he filled the vacuum left by slain leader Basav Raju. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma called the surrender a pivotal milestone, tweeting that it signals the end of armed Maoism.
State authorities are prioritizing rehabilitation, ensuring surrendering Naxals receive support to mainstream. Multiple cadres joined Devji in laying down arms, reflecting the toll of aggressive security campaigns along Chhattisgarh-Telangana borders.
This breakthrough is hailed as the biggest achievement in anti-Naxal efforts yet. With operations unrelenting, officials anticipate a domino effect, prompting further defections. The development bodes well for peace initiatives, potentially transforming violence-plagued districts into zones of growth and harmony.