Telangana DGP: Around 65 Maoists remain underground, 40 in leadership roles

Nizamabad: Director General of Police (DGP) B Shivadhar Reddy on Tuesday said around 65 Maoists from Telangana continue to remain underground, with nearly 40 of them occupying leadership roles within the banned outfit.

Appeal for surrender

The DGP urged Maoists still underground to surrender and join the mainstream, assuring that the police would extend full support and fair treatment to those who give up arms.

Speaking to reporters after visiting the family of deceased police constable E Pramod Kumar, who was allegedly stabbed to death by a notorious criminal, Shaik Riyaz, the DGP said, “Our Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has already made an open appeal to Maoists to surrender. We are reiterating that call once again. Those willing to surrender can approach the police through the media, revenue officials, or public representatives.”

Assurance of fair treatment

Reddy assured that no harassment or undue pressure would be exerted on those who come forward to surrender. The police, he said, would adopt a sympathetic and humanitarian approach while dealing with cases against former Maoists who laid down arms.

Government’s rehabilitation efforts

The DGP reiterated that the government remains committed to helping former extremists rebuild their lives. “We want those still underground to trust the system and come out. The state will stand by them as they reintegrate into society,” Shivadhar Reddy said.

Four Maoists surrender in Mulugu

In a separate development, four Maoists, including two women, surrendered before Mulugu Superintendent of Police Dr P Shabarish on Tuesday. A police statement said that among the four, three were active party members while one served as a militia commander.

Under the state’s surrender and rehabilitation policy, each of the surrendered cadres was provided a cash reward of Rs 25,000. SP Shabarish handed over the cheques to the former Maoists, the release added.