‘Forest can't protect...time to rebuild lives’: Veteran Maoist leader Roopesh quits insurgency with 169 cadres

Raipur: In a breakthrough for security forces and a significant setback to India’s decades-long Maoist insurgency, senior Central Committee member Ashanna alias Roopesh has surrendered before authorities, bringing an end to one of the most elusive chapters in the extremist movement.

The veteran Maoist, once considered a key strategist in the People’s War Group, laid down arms along with 169 cadres, including top zonal and divisional leaders, in Chhattisgarh.

Officials termed the surrender a “historic moment” in the government’s ongoing efforts to dismantle the Maoist network across central and southern India.

In an emotional address before surrendering, Ashanna said, “Protect yourselves. The forests can no longer shield us forever. It is time to return and rebuild our lives.”

Urging his comrades to reconsider their path, he added, “Some of our people still wish to continue the fight, but I appeal to them — think about our safety and the future. Join the mainstream.”

From Village Roots to Maoist Ranks

Born in Polonipalli village in Telangana’s Mulugu district, Ashanna held an ITI and Polytechnic qualification before joining the People’s War Group in 1991.

Known for his organisational acumen, he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming part of the People’s War Action Team by 1999.

Over the years, he gained notoriety for his alleged involvement in several high-profile attacks. In 2000, he was accused of masterminding the killing of IPS officer Chandrachud in Hyderabad.

Three years later, his name emerged in connection with the Alipiri attack targeting then Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, one of the most significant Maoist strikes in state history.

Weapons and Wider Impact

Authorities confirmed that Ashanna and his associates surrendered over 70 kilograms of weapons, including sophisticated arms and ammunition.

Among the 169 who surrendered were three divisional executives, five zonal committee members, and 20 DVC operatives, signalling a deep fracture within the group’s command structure.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai is expected to formally welcome the surrendered cadres during an official ceremony. Security officials hailed the move as a “major psychological victory” for the state and central forces.

The surrender follows the October 14 defection of Mallojula Venugopal Rao alias Sonu, a Politburo member of CPI (Maoist), along with 60 cadres in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district.

Officials credit sustained anti-insurgency operations led by the Union Home Ministry and coordinated state efforts for the recent wave of high-level surrenders.