Top Maoist Leaders Devji and Malla Raji Reddy Lay Down Arms in Telangana

Asifabad, Feb 22: In a major breakthrough for security forces, senior CPI (Maoist) leader Tippiri Tirupati, widely known as Devji, along with fellow leader Malla Raji Reddy and 16 cadres, surrendered before the Telangana police today.

The surrender took place in the Asifabad forests, where the group appeared before the Telangana Special Intelligence Bureau. Officials described the move as a significant success in the ongoing Operation Kagar, a coordinated effort by the Central Government and Telangana police to dismantle Maoist networks across the region.

Devji, originally from Peddapalli district, was considered one of the most senior Maoist functionaries and carried a reward of Rs. 25 lakh. His surrender is being seen as one of the heaviest blows to the insurgency, especially as the Centre pushes toward its March 31 deadline to end Maoist violence nationwide.

Authorities are expected to make a formal announcement soon, but sources confirm that rehabilitation measures will be extended to those who surrendered, marking a crucial step in reducing Maoist violence in Telangana.