In a significant development, senior Maoist leader Devuji alias Tippiri Tirupati surrendered before Telangana Director General of Police Shivadhar Reddy in Hyderabad on Tuesday. Speaking at a press conference held at the Command Control Centre in Banjara Hills, the DGP termed the surrender a major blow to the Maoist movement and described it as a turning point in the state’s anti-extremism efforts.
A total of 40 Maoists, including four top-ranking leaders, laid down arms in the presence of senior police officials. Among them was Devuji, who is currently serving as the Maoist party secretary and had assumed leadership after Nambala Keshava Rao. Central Committee member Malla Rajireddy, along with Bade Chokkarao alias Damodar—who had reportedly been underground for decades—and key strategist Nunne Narasimha Reddy, also surrendered along with their respective squads.
Police officials described Devuji’s surrender as one of the most significant setbacks to the Maoist party in recent years. According to the DGP, factors such as health concerns, disillusionment with the party’s ideology, and confidence in the government’s rehabilitation policies influenced their decision. He stated that sustained counselling initiatives and the Telangana Police’s ongoing “Reset” operation over the past several months contributed to the large-scale surrender.
Appealing to other underground cadres to renounce violence, Shivadhar Reddy urged them to join the mainstream and participate in the state’s development. He assured that those who surrender would be provided full rehabilitation benefits as per government norms, including eligible reward amounts. Emphasizing the futility of violence, the DGP called upon remaining Maoist members to choose a peaceful path forward.