Top Maoist leader Mallojula Venugopal surrenders with 60 cadres in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli

Gadchiroli, Maharashtra: In a major setback for the outlawed CPI (Maoist), senior Naxalite leader Mallojula Venugopal, also known as Bhupathi or Sonu, surrendered to police in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district late on Monday night, along with 60 other cadres, officials confirmed on Tuesday.

Among those who laid down arms were a member of the Maoist central committee and 10 divisional committee members, signalling a weakening of the group’s upper ranks in the region.

Venugopal, once regarded as one of the CPI (Maoist)'s most influential strategists, had long overseen militant operations along the volatile Maharashtra–Chhattisgarh border. Sources revealed that his decision to surrender followed months of internal dissent within the Maoist hierarchy.

According to officials familiar with the development, Venugopal had become increasingly disillusioned with the armed struggle, citing a sharp decline in public support and the heavy loss of cadres in recent years. He reportedly advocated for a shift towards peace and dialogue — a stance that put him at odds with the organisation’s top leadership.

Bhupathi had publicly questioned the viability of continued armed conflict and called for a new direction. However, his views were rejected by senior Maoist commanders, who chose to persist with the insurgency under alternate leadership, as per reports.

Under growing pressure from within the group and facing ideological isolation, Venugopal is believed to have made the decision to part ways with the organisation. He surrendered to Gadchiroli police alongside loyal followers, formally announcing his departure from the movement.

This latest development follows a trend of defections in the region. Earlier this year, Venugopal’s wife, Tarakka, a member of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee, also surrendered to authorities.

Security officials say the series of surrenders reflect cracks in the Maoist command structure and waning morale among its ranks, particularly in the central Indian forests where the group has historically maintained influence.

Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai told media that, "I am hopeful that the goal of eliminating Naxalism from the country by 31st March 2026 will be achieved, and rapid development will take place across Chhattisgarh, especially in the Bastar region.”

Authorities are expected to provide further details regarding rehabilitation measures for the surrendered cadres in the coming days.

(With PTI inputs)