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Maoist Chaitu alias Shyam Dada, the mastermind of Jheeram Valley attack and carrying a reward of Rs 25 lakh, has surrendered along with 10 Naxalites. All were active in Sukma and Darbha divisions. On Friday, these Naxalites laid down their arms in front of Bastar IG P. Sundarraj. There was a total reward of Rs 65 lakh on his head.
Srinivas Naidu
Jagdalpur/ Surguja. Chaitu alias Shyam Dada, the mastermind of the Jheeram Valley attack in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar division and a notorious member of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee, surrendered on Friday. Along with him, nine other Naxalites also gave up their weapons. All the Naxalites completed the formalities of surrender in front of Bastar IG P. Sundarraj. Chaitu was considered a big face of the Naxal organization. There was a reward of Rs 25 lakh on him. This mass surrender is being considered a major success for the security forces on the Naxal front.
IG P. Sundarraj said that Chaitu alias Shyam Dada was also in-charge of Darbha division for a long time. He is accused of playing a key role in the Jheeram Valley attack in 2013. Many senior Congress leaders and 27 people were killed in this attack. After this incident, Chaitu was included in the most wanted list of security forces. Many high rank cadres are included among the Naxalites who surrendered. These include DCVM Saroj alias 8 lakh prize money, Bhupesh alias Assistant Ram ACM, Prakash ACM, Kamlesh alias Jhitru ACM, Janani alias Raymati Kashyap ACM, Santosh alias Sannu ACM, Naveen ACM, Ramsheela PM and Jayati Kashyap PM. A total reward of Rs 65 lakh was declared on all of them.
“This surrender is a big sign of increasing pressure on the Naxal organization in Bastar.”
– IG P. Sundarraj
According to Bastar Police, the effect of continuous pressure, ongoing operation and promotion of surrender policy by the government is visible. In the last few months, many big Naxalite organizations have left. Some time ago, notorious Maoist Madvi Hidma was killed in an encounter. Tech Shankar was also killed in the recent action. This surrender is being considered a big blow to the Naxal organization. Security agencies are calling this a very important turning point for Bastar.
No talks with those who take up arms
Letters appealing for ceasefire had also appeared from the Naxalites. However, the government has made it clear that there will be no talks with those who take up arms. Surrender is the only way to return to the mainstream. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has already declared the target that Naxalism will be eliminated from the country by 31 March 2026. After this announcement, security agencies have intensified operations. Officials say that due to increasing pressure, even top level Naxalites are now being forced to surrender.
