Vijayawada, July 26, 2025 –
In a strong message to outlawed extremists, Telangana DGP Harish Kumar Gupta has called upon all Maoists to surrender within the next seven months, assuring them of rehabilitation and state support. His appeal came after a significant surrender event held in Vijayawada, where several active Maoists laid down arms voluntarily.
Senior Maoist Couple Surrenders in Vijayawada
Among those who surrendered were *senior Maoist leaders Nagaraaju and his wife Aruna. The duo had been active for years and were carrying a *combined reward of ₹25 lakh on their heads. According to DGP Gupta, the couple has already been offered an immediate relief amount of ₹40,000, showcasing the government’s commitment to reintegrating them into society.
“We want all extremists to give up arms and join the mainstream. Surrender is not a defeat, it’s a return to peace,” said DGP Gupta.
Arms Seized from AOB Region
In a parallel operation, police forces recovered a large cache of weapons and explosives from a Maoist dump located in the Andhra-Odisha Border (AOB) area. The seized material includes country-made rifles, detonators, and other tactical gear. This discovery is seen as a major blow to the dwindling Maoist network in the region.
“Join the Path of Development”: DGP’s Message
DGP Gupta reiterated that the *state government is committed to peace and development. He invited Maoists to become stakeholders in **Andhra Pradesh’s growth story, assuring them of *rehabilitation packages, skill training, and legal assistance.
He also made it clear that those who fail to surrender within the designated timeline will face stringent action under the law.
Government Rehabilitation Policy for Maoist Surrender
The Andhra Pradesh government’s surrender policy includes:
- Immediate financial relief (₹40,000 per individual, subject to conditions)
- Employment and livelihood training programs
- Shelter, healthcare, and family reintegration support
- Protection from retaliation by former associates
- Legal aid and assistance for cases under review
This surrender policy has helped reintegrate several former extremists into mainstream society over the past five years.
A Turning Point in Counter-Insurgency Strategy?
With the *growing influence of government welfare schemes and public infrastructure in rural tribal belts, many extremists are now rethinking their paths. The recent surrenders are being seen as a *crucial psychological victory for the police and administrative system.
Security analysts note that the combination of force, dialogue, and rehabilitation is gradually weakening Maoist appeal across the Andhra-Odisha border regions.