Naxal Commander Surrenders: A New Chapter for Peace in Gadchiroli

In a significant turn of events, Mallojula Venugopal Rao, known by his alias Sonu, a prominent figure within the CPI (Maoist) hierarchy, has surrendered alongside 60 other members at the Gadchiroli Police headquarters. The surrender took place in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, marking a possible breakthrough in efforts to establish peace in the region.

Rao has requested a one-month period for deliberation before formal peace negotiations commence, urging the government to halt armed operations against his party's cadres during this time. "I am laying down weapons and intend to join movements to provide relief to the oppressed in India," Rao stated, highlighting ongoing peace talks with the government since March 2025, despite intensified government operations.

Following the CPI (Maoist) Chief Secretary's peace overture, Rao reaffirmed their readiness for dialogue. He lamented the loss of their Chief Secretary, comrade Basavraju, in a Seema Surakhsha Bal attack. Rao called for government representatives to cease hostilities to facilitate meaningful discussions with urban supporters and those incarcerated, amidst ongoing anti-Maoist operations under Home Minister Amit Shah's directive.