Maoist Area Committee Member Voluntarily Surrenders to Police

Dirido Deva, a 34-year-old Area Committee Member of the CPI (Maoist), voluntarily surrendered to the district police in Alluri Sitarama Raju District on Tuesday. Hailing from Sukma District, Chhattisgarh, Deva handed over his arms to police officers Amit Bardar, Superintendent of Police, and Jagadeesh Adahalli, Additional Superintendent of Police (OPS).

Deva’s surrender marks the end of his 25-year association with the Maoist movement, which he joined at 14. Inspired by Maoist leaders Bejji ACM and Vetti Rama, he quickly rose through the ranks, holding positions including Member of the Children’s Wing, Party Member, and Platoon Commander. Known for his involvement in manufacturing and planting Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), Deva’s violent activities also included murders, firefights, and attacks on infrastructure.

His decision to surrender followed increasing pressure from intensified police operations, the establishment of new camps in Maoist strongholds, and growing public opposition. Personal struggles and the Andhra Pradesh Government’s rehabilitation program, offering land, jobs, and rewards for defectors, also influenced his choice.

Superintendent Amit Bardar assured that the government would honor all rehabilitation benefits for those leaving the Maoist movement. “We support those who wish to reintegrate into society and encourage others to come forward,” Bardar said.

Experts see Deva’s surrender as a significant blow to the Maoist network, with potential to encourage other insurgents to abandon the movement and seek a peaceful future.