KKN Gurugram Desk | In a significant development in Chhattisgarh’s ongoing efforts to combat Maoist insurgency, Kerlapenda village in Sukma district has been officially declared Maoist-free. This milestone follows the surrender of 16 Naxalites, including six individuals with a collective bounty of ₹25 lakh.

Details of the Surrender

On June 2, 2025, 16 Maoist insurgents laid down their arms before senior police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officials in Sukma. Among those who surrendered were:

• Rita alias Dodi Sukki (36), a member of the Central Regional Committee’s Company No. 2, with a bounty of ₹8 lakh.

• Rahul Punem (18), a member of the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) Battalion No. 1, also carrying a reward of ₹8 lakh.

• Lekam Lakhma (28), associated with the South Bastar Division, with a ₹3 lakh bounty.

• Three others—Sodi Chula, Telam Kosa, and Dodi Hurra—each with a ₹2 lakh reward.

Of the 16 surrendered, nine hailed from Kerlapenda village under the Chintalanar police station limits.

Motivations Behind the Surrender

The insurgents cited disillusionment with the “hollow” and “inhuman” Maoist ideology and the atrocities committed against local tribals as primary reasons for their surrender.

Government Initiatives and Incentives

Under the Chhattisgarh government’s new “Elvad Panchayat Yojana,” villages declared Maoist-free are eligible for development projects worth ₹1 crore. Kerlapenda is the second village in Sukma district to achieve this status, following Badesetti in April 2025.

Additionally, the state’s “Niyad Nellanar” (Your Good Village) scheme and the Chhattisgarh Naxalite Surrender and Victim Rehabilitation Policy – 2025 have been instrumental in encouraging insurgents to reintegrate into mainstream society.

Security Measures and Development

The transformation of Kerlapenda from a Maoist stronghold to a peaceful village is attributed to combined efforts by the District Police, District Reserve Guard (DRG), CRPF units 218 and 226, and local intelligence. The establishment of a security camp and the inauguration of a Ram Temple in the region have further signaled a return to civil administration and community life.

Broader Impact

The surrender aligns with the Chhattisgarh government’s broader strategy to eliminate Maoist influence by March 2026. Since December 2023, over 1,355 Maoists have surrendered in the state, indicating a significant shift in the region’s security landscape.

The declaration of Kerlapenda as Maoist-free marks a pivotal moment in Chhattisgarh’s fight against insurgency. With continued government initiatives and community support, the state moves closer to its goal of eradicating Maoist influence and fostering sustainable development in affected regions.