Senior Maoist commander Mallesh along with other cadres surrender in Chhattisgarh's Bastar

RAIPUR: A divisional committee member (DVCM) of the banned CPI (Maoist) along with other cadres surrendered before the Border Security Force in Chhattisgarh’s Kanker district in Bastar on Wednesday.

The Maoist commander who was an active cadre from the supply team laid down an AK-47 rifle at a BSF camp in Chhote Bethiya region, a development officials projected as a significant breakthrough in efforts to calm the insurgency-affected belt.Police sources said the Maoist leader, identified as Mallesh, walked into the camp with a group of villagers and expressed willingness to join the mainstream. The surrender is yet to be formally carried out by police.Local social workers along with two journalists who have been active in the area, played a key role in persuading the cadre to surrender, sources said, calling it an example of “community-driven outreach” complementing security operations.Officials said Mallesh had been an active member of the organisation and was on the radar of security forces. The process of documentation and verification is underway.A BSF officer said the surrendered cadre will be extended benefits under the government’s rehabilitation policy, including support for reintegration and livelihood, as per norms.Villagers in the region welcomed the move, expressing hope that such surrenders would reduce fear and open the way for development activity in interior pockets that have long remained under Maoist influence.