15 Maoists of BBM division operating along Odisha–Chhattisgarh border likely to surrender

In a significant development in anti-Maoist operations, 15 members of the BBM Division operating along the Odisha–Chhattisgarh border are set to surrender before authorities. The group reportedly includes division chief Vikas, who carries a bounty of ₹65 lakh on his head.

According to sources, the Maoist cadres have submitted a proposal expressing their willingness to lay down arms. The communication was reportedly addressed to the Chhattisgarh Home Minister, seeking assurances under the state government’s surrender and rehabilitation policy.

Responding to the proposal, Chhattisgarh Home Minister Vijay Sharma issued a message urging the cadres to join the mainstream and assuring them that due process would be followed in accordance with government norms. In his response, Sharma stated that he had received a letter from Vikas, chief of the BBM unit of the CPI (Maoist) operating in the Bolangir–Bargarh division, indicating that he and 14 associates intended to surrender by March 2 or 3. He appealed to them to do so without hesitation.

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Security sources described the communication as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to curb Maoist activities in the region. The proposed surrender of the BBM Division members, particularly that of a senior leader carrying a substantial bounty, is being viewed as a significant success for security forces operating in Maoist-affected areas along the inter-state border.