On February 7, 2026, 51 Maoists surrendered before police in Bastar's Bijapur and Sukma districts. Their combined bounty was ₹1.61 crore. The surrender included 34 women guerrillas. This raised the total Maoist surrenders in Chhattisgarh to around 300 this year. The event lined up with the Bastar Pandum festival’s inauguration in Jagdalpur by President Droupadi Murmu and Union Home Minister Amit Shah's three-day visit to Raipur. In Bijapur, 30 cadres surrendered, including 20 women, all members of the south sub-zonal bureau. Notable among them were Boti Podiyam alias Malla (platoon committee member), Sukhram Madkam, and Reena Punem, each with ₹8 lakh bounty. Five others had ₹5 lakh each, 14 had ₹2 lakh each, and eight carried ₹1 lakh each, totaling ₹85 lakh. In neighboring Sukma, 21 Maoists from different divisions also surrendered. Top members like Sodhi Mahesh, Podiyam Raju, and Karam Mamta had ₹8 lakh bounties. The group laid down many weapons, including AK-47 rifles, grenade launchers, and explosives. Sundarraj Pattilingam, Inspector General of Police for Bastar Range, credited the surrenders to the state’s strong anti-Maoist policy, security efforts, and rehabilitation plans. Each surrendered Maoist received ₹50,000 immediately and will get further assistance under government schemes. Pattilingam said, “The achievement was the result of the State Government’s comprehensive anti-Maoist policy, sustained and effective action by security forces, and coordinated efforts based on peace, dialogue and development, clearly indicating that abandoning the path of violence and choosing a dignified and secure life is the only lasting solution.” Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai welcomed the development, calling it a big step toward peace and development in Bastar. He spoke of the government’s focus on security, trust, rehabilitation, and opportunity for surrendered Maoists. More than 1,500 Maoists surrendered in Chhattisgarh during 2025, showing steady progress. The government continues to encourage remaining Maoists to give up violence and join the mainstream.