Karnataka declared 'Naxal-free' after last Maoist surrenders
What's the story
Karnataka has been officially declared "Naxal-free" after the last known Naxalite in Chikkamagaluru district surrendered.
Superintendent of Police Vikram Amathe affirmed the development saying, "With this surrender, Karnataka is now Naxal-free."
The 44-year-old Kotehonda Ravindra, a resident of Kotehonda in Hulagaru Bail near Kigga, Sringeri Taluk, had been living in the forests for years before he voluntarily surrendered on Friday.
Surrender details
Ravindra's surrender marks end of Naxalism in Karnataka
Ravindra is an 'A' category Naxalite under the revised Surrender Policy, which came into effect from March 14, 2024.
The policy entitles him to a government rehabilitation package, including ₹7.5 lakh in financial assistance. He can also opt for skill training and a monthly stipend of ₹5,000.
Ravindra has 27 cases registered against him, including 13 in Chikkamagaluru alone.
Official presence
Ravindra's surrender witnessed by officials
On Friday, Ravindra arrived in Sringeri and surrendered of his own accord before SP Amathe. Following this, he was taken to Deputy Commissioner Meena Nagaraj, where the formal surrender procedures were completed.
The surrender process was witnessed by several officials including Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer H S Keerthana and Naxal Surrender and Rehabilitation Committee member K P Shripal.
According to SP Amathe, Karnataka has now witnessed a total of 21 Naxal surrenders.
Rehabilitation efforts
Karnataka's commitment to rehabilitation and reintegration
In January, six Karnataka Naxalites surrendered before Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in Bengaluru.
One of the surrendered Naxalites, Latha Mundagaru, symbolically handed over her uniform and a memorandum copy to the CM.
Siddaramaiah welcomed them with roses and copies of the Indian Constitution, emphasizing the state's commitment to rehabilitation and reintegration for those returning to mainstream society.