Bijapur (Chhattisgarh): In a major breakthrough for security forces combating Left-Wing Extremism, notorious Naxal commander Papa Rao has surrendered along with 17 other cadres in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district. The group laid down arms at the Kutaru police station, marking a significant development in the anti-Naxal operations in the Bastar region.
According to officials, Papa Rao, a senior leader associated with the DKSZC (Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee), emerged from the जंगल on Tuesday with his associates and formally surrendered before the police. The group carried several weapons, including AK-47 rifles and other arms, at the time of surrender.
Following the surrender, all 18 individuals were transported by police to Jagdalpur, where the formal surrender process is expected to be completed in the presence of Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma.
Speaking in Kawardha, Deputy CM Vijay Sharma confirmed the surrender and stated that the group includes 10 men and 8 women. Security forces recovered a significant cache of weapons from them, including 8 AK-47 rifles, one SLR, one INSAS rifle, and other arms.
Papa Rao, also known as Mangu (56), is a resident of Sukma district and has been an influential figure within the Naxal network. He currently holds a position in the DKSZCM and has served as the in-charge of the West Bastar Division Committee, as well as a member of the South Sub-Zonal Bureau.
Known for his deep knowledge of the forest terrain in Bastar, Papa Rao had managed to evade security forces multiple times in the past. His surrender is being seen as a major blow to Naxal operations in the region, with officials suggesting that his group was among the last significant active units in Bastar.
Authorities believe that this development will further weaken the Naxal presence in the region and encourage more cadres to surrender under the government’s rehabilitation policies.
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