Senior Maoist leader Mallojula Venugopal Rao, alias Bhupathi, surrendered alongside 60 cadres on October 13, 2025, in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district. This dramatic shift, confirmed by authorities at 04:01 PM IST today, underscores a critical turning point in the decades-long battle against Left Wing Extremism (LWE).
The surrender followed intensive behind-the-scenes negotiations by Gadchiroli Police, triggered by Bhupathi's earlier public hints at abandoning the armed struggle. A pivotal meeting with villagers in Phodewada just days before his defection revealed his growing advocacy for peace talks, a stance that clashed with hardline factions within the Maoist ranks. This internal discord, coupled with relentless anti-Naxal operations, appears to have swayed his decision.
The operation to secure the surrender was meticulously coordinated. A local informant tipped off police about the impending event near Hodari village, prompting swift action from senior officials, including Inspector General Sandeep Patil and Superintendent Nilotpal. The group, safely transported to Gadchiroli that night, included a mix of high-ranking members, from Central Committee to Area Committee operatives, and yielded 54 weapons, including advanced rifles and a grenade launcher.
Also Read: Senior Maoist Commander Bhupathi Lays Down Arms with 60 Cadres in Gadchiroli
Bhupathi's defection, with a Rs 6 crore bounty on his head, is seen as a strategic loss for the Maoists, particularly given his role in orchestrating key operations along the Maharashtra-Chhattisgarh border. His exit, following his wife Tarakka’s earlier surrender, signals deepening fractures within the organization. Analysts suggest this could accelerate the Maoists' decline, especially as government rehabilitation efforts gain traction, offering surrendered cadres vocational training and security.
The timing of this event, amid escalating internal rifts and battlefield fatigue, highlights a broader unraveling of the insurgency. With security forces intensifying their campaigns, this mass surrender bolsters claims of nearing the end of LWE influence. As the region braces for further defections, the focus now turns to reintegrating these individuals, potentially reshaping the socio-economic fabric of India's tribal heartlands.
Also Read: Senior Maoist Commander Bhupathi Lays Down Arms with 60 Cadres in Gadchiroli