51 Maoists with ₹1.61 crore reward surrender in Chhattisgarh's Bastar division

President Droupadi Murmu, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai witnessed a significant development in Chhattisgarh as 51 Maoists surrendered before the police in two districts. The surrenders, coinciding with the inauguration of the Bastar Pandum 2026 festival, brought the total number of surrenders this year to around 300. The surrender process was facilitated by the "Poona Margem" rehabilitation initiative and the state government's comprehensive anti-Maoist policy. The surrendered cadres were provided with immediate assistance and will be further rehabilitated as per the government's policy. Inspector General of Police, Bastar Range, Sundarraj Pattilingam emphasized that the shrinking base of Maoists is a result of security measures, improved connectivity, and development schemes.