Big blow to Maoists: Cadre leader Madakam Deva alias Bhagat surrenders to Alluri Sitarama Raju police

Alluri Sitarama Raju: A 42-year-old Maoist leader Madakam Deva alias Bhagat, wanted in several cases including triggering an IED blast, surrendered to Alluri Sitarama Raju district police in Andhra Pradesh on Thursday. Madakam Deva said that he turned himself in as he was disillusioned by the Maoist ideology.

Deva is a native of Dabbakunta village under Chinthguppa police station limits in the Sukma district of Chhattisgarh. He belonged to Gutti Koya Tribe. He was a company party committee member and divisional committee member of 2nd Platoon, and Commander of 2nd Company, PLGA Battalion.

Deva is accused of more than 12 serious crimes, including ambush, triggering blasts and taking part in many exchanges of fire. He was responsible for the killing of over 117 CRPF, 6 Cobra commandos and 12 police personnel in various Maoist operations.

Addressing the media, district SP Tuhin Sinha said that in 2004, Deva, along with other villagers, faced severe pressure from the Salwa Judum, an anti-Maoist organisation, which pushed him to join the Maoist outfit.

Crime history

- In 2004, he was part of the blast carried by 50 Kishataram-Kunta AC members in Injaram village under Kunta police station limits. A total of 12 policemen travelling in the lorry were killed.

- In 2006, he was part of the Maoists’ attack on a Salwa Judum camp in Injaram village, which killed two security forces personnel and four civilians.

- In 2006, he was part of a surprise attack in Thodaka village of Bijnapur district when 7 CRPF commandos were killed.

- In 2009, he was part of a Maoist attack at Singannamadugu village near Chintaguppa, Sukuma district that killed 6 Cobra commandos.

According to the SP, Deva left the party because he was vexed with the ideology of Maoists, disappointed with the discrimination of non-tribal members in the party, and the declining trust in people for their agenda.

“With the increase in police patrolling and setting up of new police camps in Maoist-held areas, he could not move freely and was afraid for his life. He said he was made to wash clothes of top Maoist leaders and do personal work of Maoist top cadre,” said the SP.

According to police, Bhagath was attracted to reformation initiatives such as 'parivartana’, job opportunities through the ‘spoorthi and prerana’ programmes and others which can enable his return to mainstream society. Under the police department’s surrender and rehabilitation policies, Bhagath will receive a reward of Rs 5 lakh and other eligible facilities to lead a peaceful life, police said.