DGP declares A.P. as Naxal-free State, after CPI-Maoist CCM, eight other Naxalites surrender before police

Senior Maoist commander Chelluru Narayana Rao, alias Somanna, addresses the media after surrendering before Andhra Pradesh Police in Vijayawada on Monday (March30).
| Photo Credit:
G.N. Rao

Nine members of the banned CPI-(Maoist), including party Central Committee member (CCM) and secretary Andhra Odisha Border Special Economic Zone (AOBSZC) Chelluri Narayana Rao alias Suresh, surrendered before Director General of Police (DGP) Harish Kumar Gupta here on Monday (March 30).

Just a day before the Centre has set the deadline for elimination of Maoism in the country (March 31, 2026), the DGP said nine Maoists including the party CCM and AOBSZC secretary surrendered and gave up their arms.

Mr. Harish Kumar Gupta declared Andhra Pradesh a Naxal-free State, and that there were no Maoists operating in the State.

Along with Chelluri Narayana Rao, company platoon commander Kartam Lachhu, area committee member Podium Raje alias Rame and other party cadres Kartam Adame alias Nangi, Muchaki Masa alias Ajith, Madvi Jogi alias Rukuni, Muchaki Laxman alias Lakma, Madivi Adama and Kadithi Hurre alias Urra, joined in the mainstream.

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They surrendered before the police with an INSAS rifle, 2 BGL weapons, five 303, five SBBL and six single shot rifles, seven BGL shells, 22 ammunition, 13 detonators, five gelatin sticks and 13 man packs , the DGP said at a press conference here on Monday.

The surrendered Maoist CCM was involved in the killing of MLA Kidari Sarveswara Rao, former MLA Siveri Someswara Rao in 2018, and murder of Circle Inspector Muddada Gandhi, his personal security officer and a police constable in 2001, Mr. Harish Kumar Gupta said.

Mr. Narayana Rao was carrying a reward of ₹25 lakh on his head, while Kartam Lachhu was carrying a reward of ₹5 lakh.

Kartam Lachhu was involved in Tekkulaguda ambush in April 2021, in which 22 police were killed and attack on Dharmavaram camp in 2024, and Elamagunda camp attack in 2023, the DGP explained.

Mr. Harish Kumar Gupta, along with Additional DGP (Law and Order) N. Madhusudhana Reddy, ADGP (Intelligence) Mahesh Chandra Laddha, Inspector General of Police (IGP-Special Intelligence Branch) P.H.D. Ramakrishna, handed over ₹20,000 as immediate relief to the surrendered Maoists.