Top Woman Naxalite with ₹14 Lakh Bounty Surrenders in Madhya Pradesh: Joined Maoists at 19

Balaghat (Madhya Pradesh), November 3, 2025:
In a major success for anti-Naxal operations, a 23-year-old woman Maoist identified as Sunita alias Sujata, carrying a combined bounty of ₹14 lakh, surrendered before security forces in Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh on November 1. The surrender marks the first such case under the state’s 2023 Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy, and a rare defection of an armed cadre from Chhattisgarh into Madhya Pradesh’s peace programme.

Early Life and Maoist Involvement

Sunita hails from Gomveta village in Bhairamgarh tehsil of Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh—one of the most insurgency-affected regions of the Bastar division. She reportedly joined the CPI (Maoist) at the young age of 19, influenced by senior cadres who operated in her area.
After joining the outfit around 2022, she underwent weapons and tactical training in the Maad forest region and later became part of the Malajkhand-Darre Khasa Dalam, which operates across Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh.

According to police intelligence, Sunita served as an armed guard for senior Maoist leader “Comrade Ramder”, a central committee member of the banned CPI (Maoist). She was actively involved in ambush planning, movement coordination, and logistics operations across the inter-state GRB (Gadchiroli–Rajnandgaon–Balaghat) division.

Arms and Ammunition Surrendered

During her surrender before the elite Hawk Force and Balaghat Police, Sunita handed over:

• One INSAS rifle,

• Three magazines,

• Thirty live rounds, and

• One UBGL (Under-Barrel Grenade Launcher) shell.

Police officials described her surrender as “a major psychological and operational setback for the Maoists,” as she was responsible for key operations in border forest zones.

Bounty and Criminal Record

Sunita carried a total bounty of ₹14 lakh, announced jointly by Madhya Pradesh (₹3 lakh), Maharashtra (₹5 lakh), and Chhattisgarh (₹6 lakh) police forces.
She was accused in several Naxal attacks, including ambushes on security personnel and government infrastructure sabotage. Her name appeared in multiple FIRs filed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Arms Act.

Reasons Behind Surrender

Officials revealed that Sunita had become disillusioned with the Maoist ideology and the “empty promises” of its leadership. She expressed her desire to “lead a normal and peaceful life” and reintegrate into society.
Sources also indicate that continuous outreach efforts by the Hawk Force, combined with the Centre’s hardline strategy and the rehabilitation assurances under the 2023 policy, motivated her to give up arms.

Government & Police Reactions

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav lauded the surrender, calling it a “result of Home Minister Amit Shah’s stern warning to ultras” and the proactive work of state forces.
Balaghat SP Sameer Saurabh said,

“This surrender will demoralize the Maoist network in the border region. It also proves that our rehabilitation policy and community outreach are working effectively.”

Rehabilitation and Future

Under the State Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy (2023), Sunita will receive:

• Immediate financial assistance and monthly stipend,

• Housing and education support,

• Opportunity for vocational training and reintegration into civilian life.

Authorities confirmed that she will be kept in a de-radicalization and counseling program before being resettled in a safe location.

Broader Context

The surrender comes amid growing pressure on Maoist groups operating along the Balaghat–Gadchiroli–Bijapur corridor, a crucial transit route for insurgent movement between central India’s forests. Security agencies believe that such high-profile defections will encourage more cadres—especially women and young recruits—to leave the armed struggle.

By Sayani Mishra