Top Maoist Devji ‘surrenders’ in Telangana amid final push to end rebellion
Times of India
by SRINATH VUDALIFebruary 22, 2026
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A senior Maoist leader, Tippiri Tirupati, also known as Devji, has surrendered to the Telangana police, marking a significant blow to the ongoing armed insurgency in India. This development comes as part of Operation Kagar, a nationwide initiative by the Indian government to dismantle left-wing extremism, with a deadline set for March 2026 to eliminate Maoist activities entirely. Devji, aged 60 and believed to be the general secretary of the CPI (Maoist) in Telangana, surrendered in Mulugu district. His surrender is notable as he is the highest-ranking Maoist functionary ever to give himself up in the state.
The decision follows a series of setbacks for the Maoist movement, including the killing of former party chief Nambala Keshava Rao, known as Basavaraju, by security forces in May 2025. Devji was elevated to his current position eight months ago after this incident. Sources indicate that up to 20 armed cadres may surrender alongside him, further weakening the insurgency's structure. The surrender of other top leaders, such as Sonu and Ashanna, over the past year has already dealt a significant blow to the movement.
This latest development underscores the Indian government’s commitment to eradicating Maoist influence, as highlighted by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his tenure from 2014 to 2026. The surrender of Devji is seen as a turning point in Telangana, where many Maoist functionaries have historically fled
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/22/2026