In a significant development in Chhattisgarh’s anti-Naxal operations, senior Maoist leader Papa Rao, also known as Mangu, is expected to surrender on Tuesday along with 17 of his associates, just a week before the March 31, 2026 deadline set by the state government to eliminate Naxalism in the region.
According to sources, the 56-year-old Sukma district native, who carries modern weapons including an AK-47, has reportedly left the forest area with his group and is heading toward Bijapur district in Bastar division. After reaching Bijapur, he is expected to be brought to Jagdalpur, where he will formally surrender before Bastar Range IG P. Sundarraj along with his weapons and associates.
Chhattisgarh Home Minister Vijay Sharma described the development as a major breakthrough in the fight against Maoist insurgency. He stated that Papa Rao’s surrender would mark the collapse of the remaining hardcore Maoist network in the state and claimed that no major Naxal cadre would remain active after this surrender.
Papa Rao is considered one of the most influential and dangerous Maoist leaders in Bastar. He currently serves as the Secretary of the West Bastar Division and is a key member of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC). The Chhattisgarh government has announced a reward of ₹25 lakh for his capture.
Security agencies believe Papa Rao has managed to evade multiple police operations over the years due to his deep knowledge of Bastar’s forests, terrain, and local network. He has been a key strategist in several major Maoist attacks, including the IED blast on the Kutru–Bedre road that resulted in the death of eight security personnel. Authorities consider him the mastermind behind several ambush operations and tactical assaults on security forces.
Police teams have already moved toward a confidential location inside the Indravati National Park area to escort him safely for surrender. Officials are maintaining high security and secrecy to prevent any disruption during the process.
Papa Rao has long been associated with the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA), the armed wing of the Maoist organization, and has played a major role in operational planning and strategy in the Bastar region. His wife, Urmila, was also a PLGA member and was killed in an earlier encounter with security forces.
Security experts believe that if the surrender goes through as expected, it could significantly weaken Maoist influence in Bastar and accelerate the state government’s efforts to eliminate left-wing extremism from Chhattisgarh.
Key Facts About Papa Rao
- Senior PLGA commander and Maoist strategist
- Secretary of West Bastar Division
- Member of Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC)
- Involved in planning multiple Maoist attacks in Bastar
- ₹25 lakh bounty announced by Chhattisgarh government
- Expected to surrender with 17 associates and modern weapons
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