Most-Wanted Naxal Commander Bhupati, 60 Cadres Lay Down Arms Before CM Fadnavis | Watch

Last Updated:October 15, 2025, 14:04 IST

“With this surrender, the backbone of Naxalism in Maharashtra has broken," said Fadnavis.

Naxal Leader Bhupati, 60 Associates Lay Down Arms

In a landmark breakthrough in India’s decades-long battle against Left Wing Extremism, most-wanted Naxal commander Mallojula Venugopal Rao, alias Bhupati, and 60 of his associates surrendered before the Gadchiroli Police on Tuesday. The formal ceremony was held in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, marking a significant step in the state’s anti-Naxal campaign.

Addressing the ceremony, Chief Minister Fadnavis described the surrender as a “historic day for Maharashtra." He said, “Today, Naxal Commander Mallojula Venugopal Rao alias Bhupati, along with 60 Naxals, have surrendered. Bhupati was responsible for recruitment, planning, and executing attacks. For the past month, our police were in dialogue with him, urging him to return to the mainstream. "

Fadnavis added that the government made it clear to Bhupati that anti-Naxal operations would not cease, but he was given an opportunity to surrender. “With this surrender, the backbone of Naxalism in Maharashtra has broken. We expect many Naxals in neighbouring Chhattisgarh to follow suit," he said. 

In recognition of the police’s achievement, the state government announced a Rs one crore reward for the Gadchiroli Police.

Gadchiroli, Maharashtra: Most-wanted Naxal leader Bhupati, with 60 associates, surrendered, and a formal ceremony is being held today before Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis(Source: YouTube – Devendra Fadnavis) pic.twitter.com/YXBVH4Cr1C— IANS (@ians_india) October 15, 2025

Naxalism-free India

The surrender comes amid a larger national drive to eradicate Naxalism. Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently declared that India is on track to eliminate Naxalism by March 31, 2026. The central government has intensified operations in affected states, combining security offensives with rehabilitation programmes to encourage surrenders.

Between 2014 and 2025, the number of Naxal-affected districts has fallen from 126 to 18, while violent incidents have dropped dramatically. In 2024–25 alone, over 300 Naxalites were neutralised, and hundreds have surrendered as part of ongoing counterinsurgency efforts.

Shuddhanta Patra

Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public...Read More

Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public...

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